The Queensland Police Service has today launched a new high visibility operation to support community safety in key areas of the State.
Operation Uniform Theta will primarily focus on extra high-visibility officer patrols in intelligence driven locations, public spaces and residential areas.
“This police operation is squarely focused at preventing and disrupting any anti-social or criminal behaviour over the holiday period,” Acting Deputy Police Commissioner Mark Wheeler said.
“Members of the public and business operators can expect to see enhanced police resources patrolling our streets and business precincts around the clock.
“The operation will have a focus in North and Far North Queensland regions including Cairns, Townsville and Mount Isa.
“A range of strategies will be employed throughout the operation, including a high visibility police presence in intelligence driven locations, engagement activities with young people and an expansion of the Youth Crime Co-responder and bail check programs,” he said.
Operation Uniform Theta will operate in key locations across the State, and will include engagements between young people by Queensland Police and its and non-government partners.
The operation will have a specific focus in the state’s north, including dedicated policed resources and patrolling in Townsville.
Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper said the Queensland Police Service were always proactive.
“Visible operations like this are important and having a high visibility presence like this is an important part of helping keep the community safe,” Mr Harper said.
Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said high visibility policing made a difference to the community.
“Community safety is our number one priority and I know QPS will continue to support our community through their amazing work,” Mr Walker said.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said Townsville’s police did an incredible job protecting the community.
“As a government we will always back our police to keep our community safe and this operation is just another example of the great work they do,” Mr Stewart said.
Minister for Police, Mark Ryan, said the work of QPS to engage with young people and prevent crime was crucial over the holiday period.
“We commend the Queensland Police Service for proactively establishing this operation over the busy holiday period,” Minister Ryan said.
“I know residents and visitors to northern parts of our state will be reassured with having extra boots on the ground and on patrol, keeping our communities safe over the holidays.
“The QPS has allocated over 2200 additional shifts during the busy school holiday to conduct this high-visibility operation.
“The State Government is committed to tackling youth offending and breaking the cycle of crime for young offenders.
“Our local MPs, particularly in North and Far North Queensland have advocated strongly for their local communities.
“And we are seeing the results of that strong representation.
“But also it’s important to remember that the Queensland Police Service constantly monitors trends within local communities right across Queensland and responds accordingly.
“One of the defining characteristics of the Queensland Police Service is its adoption of a borderless policing model which eschews the old fashioned “district model” and deploys officers in large numbers to where ever they’re needed when they’re needed.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler said offending traditionally increased over school holiday breaks.
“We do see more young people out and about, congregating in groups and less parental supervision during the Summer holiday period,” he said.
“Youth offending is a challenging, complex issue impacted by underlying factors such as social dysfunction, substance abuse, domestic violence, family dynamics and dysfunction and access to social services and support.
“The majority of juvenile offenders do not re-offend once they have initial contact with the justice system.
“Intervention and rehabilitation for young offenders are crucial in breaking the cycle of crime and delivering long-term change.”
The operation will be conducted from this week and operate to the end of January, 2023.
