Hospitals are not generally thought of as the domain of police, but where injury and trauma are involved, there is often an associated police investigation or charges to be laid.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) is one of south-east Queensland’s largest and busiest hospitals and, having a dedicated Spinal Injuries Unit, deals with many of the state’s worst trauma cases.
It is also the only hospital in Queensland with its own Police Beat.
The PAH Police Beat was permanently established nearly 14 years ago after a two-year trial period, and for its five police officers and one staff member, it represents a unique working environment.
Sergeant Chris Hale has been the Officer in Charge of the Beat since 2009, interspersed with periods of relieving at other police stations.
He said the Beat served a dual role, both operational and informational.
“We exercise police powers to conduct operational duties within the hospital, but we also act as an enquiry office to assist officers out on the road with information to help them do their job,” Sergeant Hale said.
“Hospital staff are unable to provide details over the phone regarding a patient’s injuries or updates on their condition, so we act as a conduit between doctors and police on the road.
“Police may need this information quickly so they can lay appropriate charges if they have an offender in custody, or they may need a formal statement of injuries to prepare a brief of evidence for the Court or the Coroner.”
If a victim of an assault is unwilling to provide details of their injuries, then PAH Beat officers can serve a search warrant authorising the release of this information from Queensland Health.
They also serve subpoenas on doctors to testify in Court, which is a standard part of the legal process.
If frontline officers need to serve documents such as Domestic Violence Orders or Police Protection Notices on people receiving medical treatment, the Beat officers will do this on their behalf, so the number of police entering critical care spaces is limited.
Sergeant Hale said the operational part of the role included conducting searches and giving legal directions for the collection of blood samples.
“There have been instances where a drug overdose is suspected, so we assist medical staff when they conduct lawful searches of the patient’s clothing or belongings,” Sergeant Hale said.
“In the case of traffic crashes, blood samples often need to be taken from the driver as quickly as possible to detect the presence of alcohol or drugs, so we are there to give a lawful direction to hospital staff to do this.”
In these circumstances, Beat officers may be physically present in an emergency department as patients arrive at the hospital.
According to Sergeant Hale, this meant he and his colleagues were sometimes presented with confronting and emotional scenes.
“We often see horrific injuries caused by road trauma and regularly obtain updates from medical staff in relation to how these patients are recovering,” he said.
“We sometimes take on the role of contacting next of kin and meeting them as they arrive at the hospital.
“If the medical staff are busy with the patient and social workers are tied up, the Beat officers might assist by providing important yet upsetting information to the patient’s loved ones.
“There can be a lot of raw emotion involved and sometimes conflict between family members.”
While hospital security staff usually deal with any aggressive behaviour on the hospital grounds, the Beat officers are there to provide a speedy response if people are armed or become violent.
One of the uniquely rewarding things about being a police officer working in a hospital is the opportunity to be a part of someone’s journey to recovery.
PAH Beat officers may have ongoing contact with victims of serious injury as they progress from intensive care through to rehabilitation.
Sergeant Hale said most patients and their family members were grateful for the support provided by police officers as they navigated these stressful situations.
“You don’t realise that people appreciate what you’ve done. Sometimes we get flowers,” Sergeant Hale said.
“These are really nice people who are going through the worst time of their lives, and they remember the fact that you’ve stopped in to see how they are and kept them updated on legal proceedings.”
Sergeant Hale said he recalled a particular patient who fell from a 20-storey building.
“I had to contact her mum. She broke every bone in her body and spent two years in hospital,” he said.
“I saw her go from intensive care to the spinal unit, and then from a wheelchair to walking. After two years and many operations, we watched her walk out of the hospital. It was an emotional day.”
Sergeant Hale said officers who took relieving opportunities at the Beat were usually surprised at how busy they were.
“It’s a fascinating role and you get to broaden your knowledge of medical terms and appreciate the extraordinary job the medical staff do.
“We often work alone as police officers at the Beat, but we are never really alone because it is very much a team environment with everyone helping each other to achieve the best outcomes for patients and their families.
“It’s also a great opportunity to provide support to families going through a tough time and represent the QPS well,” Sergeant Hale said.
The PAH Police Beat is staffed from 7am to 10pm Sunday to Monday, with hours extending to 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Police at the nearby Dutton Park Station are on standby to respond if an incident occurs outside these hours.
Police officers aren’t born, they’re made, with every challenge or adversity overcome, and their personal values, helping to shape them into great officers who can make a real difference.
There is no better time to join the QPS. You’re already ready.
Visit to check your eligibility today.
