Today marks the beginning of the twelfth deployment of Operation Whiskey Legion, a major state-wide multi-level operation tackling high-harm offenders.
After saturating Townsville and the Far North in September, Legion moves to Central Queensland, homing in on the Capricornia District.
A surge of specialist police from Highway Patrol, Crime and Intelligence Command, Rail Squad, Water Police, Dog Squad and Crime Prevention will join forces with local police to target high-risk crime across the district over the next eight days.
From October 16 to 23, additional resources will aid in strengthening community safety and enhancing local policing capabilities.
Crime Intelligence Command Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors said taking strong, targeted action to reduce crime across Queensland has resulted in more than 3,689 people charged with more than 9,154 offences since Operation Whiskey Legion first began in April.
“Some of these charges relate to serious offences such as assault, armed robbery, vehicle theft, Domestic and Family Violence offences and more,” Assistant Commissioner Connors said.
“Operation Whiskey Legion aims to target those who are causing the most harm and who pose the most significant risk to public safety throughout the state.”
Central Region Assistant Commission Chris Hodgman said the community can expect to see high visibility patrols and crime prevention activities engaging with residents over the coming days.
“Specialist teams will work hand-in-hand with officers throughout the district to reduce crime and strengthen community safety,” Assistant Commissioner Hodgman said.
“Our focus is ensuring that not only is the community safe, but that people feel safe. And that our officers are doing everything we can to reduce, deter and prevent crime.”
Capricornia District Officer Acting Superintendent Mark Burgess said the multi-level operation will seek to tackle high-harm offences and connect with victims of crime and the wider community about crime prevention and ongoing community safety initiatives.
“Following the successful deployments across previous districts, we’re looking forward to welcoming additional resources to boost our local capabilities across Capricornia,” Acting Superintendent Burgess said.
“Part of our focus will centre around communicating with victims of crime and connecting with the wider community about crime prevention and community safety.”
“There will also be a strong focus on road safety, and drivers on our local highways and roads will notice more police patrols targeting dangerous driving.”
