Gold Coast Mayor bids farewell to ‘gracious’ QLD Police Commissioner, lights up dark spots

An astonishing number of security cameras have been installed across the Gold Coast as part of an effort to curb rising crime. SEE THE VIDEO

More than 850 security cameras have been installed across the Gold Coast as part of the city’s security network in an effort to curb rising crime.

Mayor Tom Tate revealed the council was ramping up the use of CCTV cameras across the city ahead of the 16th Safer Suburbs meeting on Tuesday morning.

“We worked out to build up the number of cameras, and with that footage (we) were able to assist police with the highest conviction rate,” Mr Tate said.

“We lit up the dark spots in various parts of our city as the criminals, when they see full lighting and camera, they tend to not congregate.”

The meeting aims to bring together all state government agencies to improve safety.

It came just moments after it was announced that Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll stepped down from her position during the meeting.

Mr Tate said he was “surprised” that the police commissioner was stepping down from the top job.

Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll announces her resignation at the QPS headquarters in Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

“She’s been gracious, a great leader, I don’t know the background why she’s resigned.. It’s a surprise to me but I have so many great times with her support to me,” he said.

“At the same time her sense of humour is a little bit different so enjoy that.

“One door closed another one opens and I wish she didn’t resign.”

Asked if would endorse a successor, Mr Tate said he was “busy”.

Queensland Deputy Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy (centre) looks on as Commissioner Katarina Carroll announces her resignation at the QPS headquarters in Brisbane. Picture: Dan Peled / NCA NewsWire

KEY ACTIONS OF THE SAFER SUBURBS FORUM (2020-2024)

EXPANSION OF SAFETY CAMERA NETWORK:

- Program expanded – now over 850 CCTV cameras across the city

- 24/7 Control Room operations – 35,000+ hours of live monitoring

- More than 32,000 incidents captured - from 2020 to now

GRAFFITI REMOVAL:

- More than 16,000 community reports

- More than 19,000 removals

- 214 graffiti removal kits distributed

STATE GOVERNMENT SUBMISSIONS:

- The city strongly supported Jack’s Law – police now use metal detecting wands in all Safe Night Precincts and on public transport

- Opposed the decriminalisation of public drunkenness and urination.

- Advocated for greater resources to prevent domestic violence

DEFIBRILLATORS AND CPR AWARENESS:

- 22 publicly accessible defibrillators across the city

- eight CPR awareness sessions, 231 community members participated

SAFER SUBURBS AWARDS:

- Recognising the everyday heroes who make Gold Coast safer, more resilient and connected

- 67 nominees and 10 award recipients across two ceremonies

Originally published as Gold Coast Mayor bids farewell to ‘gracious’ QLD Police Commissioner, lights up dark spots