Opinion: Police Commissioner Ian Stewart opens up about how the police are rolling with the times

POLICE are more capable and more mobile than ever before, writes Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart. The latest technology has made sure of that, meaning we will continually become better at fighting crime.

OUR world is evolving at a faster pace than ever and the world of policing is no exception.

Policing in 2018 is completely different than even 20 years ago. In 1998 we were still grasping the usefulness of email.

Now we have officers equipped with body worn cameras and iPads with connectivity to important information — effectively transforming their patrol cars into police stations on wheels.

’Police stations on wheels’ Picture Glenn Hampson

As our population continues to grow, we are moving away from a ‘bricks and mortar’ approach and focusing on a mobile response to crime as it’s happening, where it’s happening.

We have only been able to do this because we have moved with the times.

Gone are the days of agencies existing in silos. Communicating and working with our partners across all three levels of government is vital so that our officers have the practical information they need at their fingertips.

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There is a huge amount of information out there — and we need to ensure that our officers have access to accurate and timely information in order to keep themselves and the community safer.

We will continue to scope out the latest technology and have our best and brightest minds look at ways to adopt it or adapt it, to make our jobs easier to meet community needs.

We now must look closely at other new and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

New technologies can present both challenges and opportunities for our organisation into the future.

The future of policing is going to be more mobile and technology driven. Rapid Action Patrol officers Sergeant Matt Pyke and Senior Constable Klay Williams at work. Picture Glenn Hampson

While we are good at adapting to the changing nature of crime, we must never rest on our laurels.

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The internet has dramatically changed our lives — and while it has given police the ability to share information instantly, it has also given criminals the opportunity to move their illegal operations online.

Our success in engaging with the community more easily in a virtual world will hinge on whether we harness every available opportunity to reach people on the platforms they use every day.

In 2018 it’s Facebook and Instagram. In 2028 — who knows — but we will be on it. We have to be. This is vital not only because we need to keep people informed — but they need to see that criminals are being held accountable for their actions.

I am confident we will have greater success in doing just that as technological advances make it easier for us to solve crime, making the community safer and holding offenders to account.

With more CCTV available than ever before, an enhanced ability to pinpoint the movement of offenders with cutting-edge scientific methods — there will be nowhere to hide.

Ian Stewart, the Police Commissioner. AAP Image/Steve Pohlner

Research is also important. We need to better understand the driving factors behind why people do what they do.

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We need greater involvement of police in intervening and diverting people at a much earlier stage — well before they become career criminals.

All of this is only possible with the support of the community.

The wellbeing of our organisation and our members is paramount. Officers and staff members who are happy and healthy, are more productive and can achieve better results for the community. It is in the best interests of the community that our employees are supported, both internally and externally.

I can only speculate on exactly how we will do our jobs in 10 or 20 years’ time — but what I am certain of is that we will not sit around and watch the world change around us.

We will continue to be at the very forefront of modern policing. It is our responsibility and promise to the people of Queensland.

Ian Stewart is the Police Commissioner of Queensland

Originally published as Opinion: Police Commissioner Ian Stewart opens up about how the police are rolling with the times