Cairns juvenile crime: New ariel policing strategy ‘another bandaid’ fix, say some Cairns Post readers

The concept of fighting juvenile crime from the skies with military grade drone technology has been met with a healthy dose of scepticism from fed up Far North residents, with many saying the solution lies elsewhere.

THE concept of fighting juvenile crime from the skies with military grade drone technology has been met with a healthy dose of scepticism from fed up Far North residents, with many saying the solution lies elsewhere.

A 12-month trial of the remotely piloted and “advance mission capable” aerial cameras will commence this week, with the new crime fighting strategy part of a $400,000 push from the Queensland government.

It’s hoped the drones could drastically limit the deployment of QGAir helicopters.

A “drone force” to tackle high speed pursuits has already been trialled and implemented in Victoria, who also looked to the skies in a new crime-fighting front. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Cairns Post readers questioned whether tax payer money should be redirected to fixing the “broken courts” and juvenile justice system.

“Just another bandaid solution, the ALP needs to change the law and punish offenders instead of stroking their wrists,” said Richard Eussen.

“The police catch them and the courts put them back on the street because their hands are tied by the JJA (Juvenile Justice Act).”

William Fulton agreed, asking “why is the tax payer paying for this when they go to court (and) they get a slap on the wrist and told not to do it again.”

The drones could release pressure on QGAir Rescue 510 helicopters in Cairns. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Gayle Samuel declared the airborne obserservation platform – which would be armed with artificial intelligence technologies for tracking vehicles, thermal imaging for people – as a “waste of time an money”.

“Police are catching them, the courts are the problem, the laws needs changing,” she said.

Others turned their gaze on state Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who said the new drones would assist police officer on the ground.

Many defended the efforts of the Queensland Police.

“The police aren’t the issue, they bust a gut day in day out catching these little grubs, only for the courts to turn around and let them go,” he said.

Paul Drabble posed “maybe they have better results if they took the fight to the politicians and the judiciary.”

HOW YOU REACTED:
William Fulton:

“Why is the tax payer paying for this when they go to court they get a slap on the wrist and told not to do it again.”

Richard Eussen:

“Just another bandaid solution, the ALP needs to change the law and punish offenders instead of stroking their wrists the police catch them and the courts put them back on the street because their hands are tied by the JJA.”

Gayle Samuel:

“Waste of time and money! Police are catching them, the courts are the problem, the laws needs changing”

Leon Johnson:

“Spend money on youth detention centre next to Lotus Glen”

Many Cairns Post readers praised the work of Queensland Police, saying they are being failed by the state government’s courts and juvenile justice system. Pictured is Head of the Queensland Government's Youth Crime Taskforce, Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon and Senior Executive Director of Queensland Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs Michael Drane during a visit to Cairns to speak to local police about juvenile crime. Picture: Brendan Radke

Micky Palmer:

“Been saying this all along. Cheaper and takes the stress off the rescue chopper so they can focus on search and rescue.”

Jonathon Jordan:

“Great the militarism of the police force. It’s done so well for the States having people run around with miliary grade weapons turned on citizens. A sad day when a few bad apples that the police already cannot contain need to upgrade the guns pointed at all of us.”

Matthew Haslberger:

“The police aren’t the issue, they bust a gut day in day out catching these little grubs, only for the courts to turn around and let them go.”

Paul Drabble:

“Maybe they have better results if they took the fight to the politicians and the judiciary.”

Greg Karl:

“It’s not hard to be far right or a criminal. Who are they actually going to watch?”

David Cook:

“Perhaps some real punishment’s for crimes committed, may help also.”

Follow @markcmuzza

Originally published as Cairns juvenile crime: New ariel policing strategy ‘another bandaid’ fix, say some Cairns Post readers