State’s top cop joins colleagues in major road safety blitz

A state’s most senior police official has been spotted on the road this long weekend, working in an unexpected role.

Queensland’s top cop, Katarina Carroll, has rolled up her sleeves across the long weekend, joining hundreds of police on the state’s roads as part of a major road safety blitz.

The state’s police commissioner spent her Easter Monday morning conducting random roadside breath tests with police from Mt Ommaney – marking the third time in the last eight months she has joined her colleagues on the front line.

“It’s incredibly important for me as the commissioner to be out with my troops,” Commissioner Carroll said.

Motorists in Archerfield on Monday were greeted by Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll, with the top cop rolling up her sleeves to join officers in conducting random RBTs. Picture: Supplied / Queensland Police

Ms Carroll was one of hundreds taking part in the Easter blitz. Picture: Supplied / Queensland Police

“(I do it) to see and appreciate what the challenges are; what I need to know about my troops being on the ground.”

Commissioner Carroll took part in administering RBTs and drug tests to motorists in Archerfield, revealing some people had complimented her for being “on the tools” with her colleagues.

“I think it’s incredibly important to be supportive of my troops, but to also do the work alongside my troops,” she said.

More than 300 drunk and drug drivers were detected as part of the Queensland Police’s Easter road operation.

Of the 16,183 RBTs conducted, 154 drink drivers and 151 drug drivers were detected.

Commissioner Carroll (pictured) revealed many officers had spoken to her about the challenges of paperwork and bureaucracy in their line of work. Picture: Supplied / Queensland Police

Another 2955 traffic fines were handed out by roadside police.

Ms Carroll revealed many officers had spoken to her about issues surrounding paperwork and others involving bureaucracy and administration.

She offered her sincere thanks for police working over the long weekend.

“Road safety is a very important aspect of being a police officer – there are so many of us on the roads all the time,” Commissioner Carroll said.

“It is one of the key factors in keeping people safe.”

Originally published as State’s top cop joins colleagues in major road safety blitz