Editorial: Police officer’s claims on morale need proper examination

A SENIOR Queensland police officer who penned a scathing attack on police management deserves to have his claims investigated.

• Commissioner: Show me evidence

THIRTY years after investigations by The Courier- Mail helped expose police corruption, a serving police officer has raised legitimate concerns about the manner in which law enforcement is administered in this state.

Senior Sergeant Phil Notaro has taken a personal and professional risk in penning a scathing attack on Queensland Police Service management in an article in the Queensland Police Union Journal. Snr Sgt Notaro makes a series of disturbing allegations — not least of which is that morale is at its lowest since the Fitzgerald inquiry.

“I hate to think what it will look like in another 10 years,’’ says Sgt Notaro of a service he also alleges has been robbed of experienced officers.

The front line serving officer says police districts have been “leaderless’’ because of internal restructures that removed many of the QPS’s most experienced officers while criminals can now treat police as a joke because of laws which, in some instances, expressly forbid pursuit and subsequent arrest.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart.

Snr Sgt Notaro is no disgruntled ex-employee and his article, though no doubt inflammatory to QPS senior management, has some resonance in a community increasingly concerned about policing issues.

Queenslanders are fearful bikie violence is making a comeback amid reports of drive-by shootings and the possible arrival of the notorious Comancheros on Queensland turf, and are anxious police are not properly empowered and resourced to fight back.

The Courier-Mail has also recently reported a disturbing trend, raised in an Auditor General’s Report, of the QPS publishing incorrect crime statistics amid claims some officers solicited victims to withdraw complaints to keep crime figures artificially low.

Snr Sgt Notaro deserves to have his concerns, which he courageously put on the public record, properly examined.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart’s contract, renewed for two years in 2015, will soon be up for another review.

He has weathered some strong attacks from the Police Union but has proven to be a steady hand in one of the state’s more challenging management roles. He should have nothing to fear from an investigation into Snr Sgt Notaro’s concerns which may have merit, but which may also be allayed by a considered examination of the evidence.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk cannot dismiss Snr Sgt Notaro’s concerns about the damage done by the QPS restructure as the province of the former Newman government.

Ms Palaszczuk should be on the front foot on this issue, ensuring the disinfectant of sunlight is swiftly shone into any dark corners.

We should be grateful to the QPS for its vital role in keeping our lives safe. And we should be ever vigilant that it continues to do so with appropriate government backing and oversight.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Lachlan Heywood, corner of Mayne Road & Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND. (ACN 009 661 778)