Liberal and National Party wrong again on Queensland police numbers
Police Minister Judy Spence said the Liberal and National Party claim that 1,000 officers are about to leave the Queensland Police Service is wrong. Ms Spence said: "In today's competitive job market all government departments and even private companies face challenges in retaining staff.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Police Minister Judy Spence said the Liberal and National Party claim that 1,000 officers are about to leave the Queensland Police Service is wrong.
Ms Spence said: “In today’s competitive job market all government departments and even private companies face challenges in retaining staff.
“However, there is no mass-exodus of officers from the Queensland Police Service.
“The reality is, over the past financial year a total of 489 police officers, out of almost 10,000 left the Queensland Police Service. Of these, 116 left for medical reasons or because they had reached compulsory retirement age.
“During the same period, more than 700 new officers were recruited.
“This rate of attrition rate is lower than the public service, most inter-state police services and many parts of the private sector.
“And while some officers are leaving, the Queensland Police Service is are also seeing experience return to its ranks.
“Last year, 92 officers from other jurisdictions and former Queensland Police joined the service.
“Our very successful recruitment campaign titled We Don’t Do Boring also continues to generate huge interest – ensuring our police to population ratio remains better than the national average.
“Of course, we do not want to lose any of our specially trained police officers – but the fact is they are highly sought-after for their unique skills and experience.
“In order to address a growing trend of officers wanting to gain other life experience, I have asked the Commissioner to look into our Human Resources practices regarding the provisions for leave without pay.
“I’ve also asked him to consider the current QPS compulsory retirement age of 60 years.
“I am committed to ensuring QPS employment practices reflect the needs of our officers.”
Ms Spence said the facts do not support the Liberal and National Party claim that the Bligh Government is soft on crime.
“While Queensland’s crime rates have gone down by 19% over the past six years, our prison population continues to rise.
“This shows our police are arresting the people who break the law and more of those individuals are ending up behind bars.
“The Liberal and National Party can not have it both ways and claim we are soft on crime, while the figures show we are tough on criminals.
“We will continue to provide police with the resources, support and legislation they need to take criminals off our streets.”
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