Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Queensland Govt launches new Police flying squad

The Queensland Government has launched the largest rapid response unit in the state’s Police history – an integrated ‘State Flying Squad’ to swoop on crime hotspots.

The Government says the squad of 58 specialist officers will be deployed to high-risk areas to strategically target Queensland’s worst juvenile and adult offenders.

$32.4 million in funding has been committed over five years to the squad, which will absorb officers who are currently attached to operations including Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.

“This squad will strike at the heart of crime and help restore community safety across the state,” said Premier, David Crisafulli.

“Backed by our tough Making Queensland Safer Laws, the State Flying Squad represents a new era of policing and will give communities the backup needed, when they need it. 

“We are throwing the kitchen sink at turning the tide on a decade of runaway crime under Labor.

“Queenslanders deserve safety and police deserve support; we are delivering on both to wrestle back control and end the Youth Crime Crisis.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Dan Purdie said the squad announcement was an important step towards solving the state’s crime crisis and supporting police.

“For 10 years, the previous Labor Government clipped the wings of our frontline officers by not giving them the resources they needed to do their jobs,” Minister Purdie said.

“Our new State Flying Squad will be able to deploy at a moment’s notice into any corner of Queensland, providing on-the-ground support to police on the frontline who need it most.

“Youth offenders and high-risk criminals will be a major focus for the new Squad, which will be able to utilise the Making Queensland Safer Laws and restore safety where you live.”

Deputy Commissioner, Cheryl Scanlon said the Police Service welcomed the allocation of funding which would increase State Flying Squad by 41 full time staff.

“In doing so, it will reaffirm our commitment to community safety and addressing youth crime by allowing the State Flying Squad to continue the highly successful work performed by Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion,” Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said.

“The investment strengthens our targeted operations capability, ensuring we have resources needed to respond quickly and effectively to crime hotspots across Queensland.”

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