Police frustrated as detail released on Queensland Police Service review
Frontline police are unhappy about the terms of a review ordered into the police service - hitting out at revelations the man running the service would be in charge of it.
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A review ordered into the Queensland Police Service structure is to be led by the Commissioner who runs QPS and top brass, with frontline cops tipping it will be a “white wash”.
An email sent to all staffers on Tuesday - and obtained by this masthead - reveals Commissioner Steve Gollschweski has released the scope of the 100 day probe - first announced by state government earlier this year but with details kept confidential till now.
“I will lead the review with the support of an advisory panel, which will provide guidance, assist in reporting progress and challenges, and consultation with relevant stakeholders,” the Commissioner told staff.
“A key focus will be ensuring we are aligned to our core responsibilities and not being drawn into areas beyond our key roles.”
The advisory panel will include former QPS Deputy Commissioners Brett Pointing and Ross Barnett, former Detective Superintendent Mark Ainsworth and employee relations consultant Mischa Fahl.
South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Swan and Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy will also oversee the review looking into resourcing, efficiency, workforce morale and accountability.
The release of the detail has drawn backlash from rank and file officers.
“This is a complete white wash,” a commissioned Gold Coast officer said.
“It’s like they think we’re stupid – a so-called independent review into the service, conducted by the head of the service and his executives.
“Survey after survey has shown the executive leadership are the problem and have been for a long time, they should not have any involvement.”
The Bulletin asked Police Minister Dan Purdie whether officers could have confidence in the review with the QPS essentially appearing to oversee a review of itself.
Minister Purdie said the government supported the process as an “ opportunity to reflect, re-examine and realign” the service.
“We have to ensure police officers get back to doing what it is they signed up to do, keeping our community safe. The goal is to grow police numbers, and to stem the flow of officers leaving the service.
“This review is designed to ensure we have a police service that is well-led, highly effective, and focused on their core duties of fighting crime and preserving life and property.”
Another senior officer from Brisbane backs the appointments to the advisory panel but believes the process lacks the power and resources to address issues within the QPS.
“Pointing, Ainsworth, and Barnett are experienced police,” the officer said.
“There’s very little they can achieve in 100 days with the Commissioner in charge. Gollschewski was (former commissioner) Katarina Carroll’s deputy for years. He has been in the leadership team as the service has deteriorated.”
The Queensland Police Service has been contacted for comment.
The review comes after News Corp’s Queensland mastheads including the Gold Coast Bulletin revealed frontline police saying domestic violence case burnout among one of the main causes of plummeting morale among the ranks.
The Queensland-wide survey of dozens of frontline officers found up to 87 per cent were suffering burnout and 35 per cent had psychological distress. A key source was voluminous DV call-outs and compliance with requirement for reviews of those investigations.
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