Queensland Police Service explains use of Covid tracking app to hunt down offender

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson has explained the lawful process behind using Covid-tracking technology to hunt down an alleged offender - and the subsequent bolstering of policy to ensure the protection of privacy.

Police have explained the lawful use of Covid app data in their search for an offender.

A Queensland Police Service spokesperson has explained the process behind using Covid-tracking technology to hunt down an offender.

The incident relates to an incident on June 9 where an unloaded Glock and Taser were stolen from a locked room at the Miriam Vale Hotel in a break-in.

A detailed search of the hotel revealed the Glock the next day, however the Taser has not been recovered.

Police told the NewsMail that Covid data had been used in the search for the offender and was accessed legally.

“The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has revised its policy advice to all officers in relation to accessing data from the Covid-19 contact tracing apps,” the spokesperson said.

“The QPS has conducted a review of any requests for data access from the apps to the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy.

“The review revealed the QPS had accessed data once from the apps after obtaining a lawfully issued search warrant.

“The data was accessed in relation to a group of people reported to be acting suspiciously in the area around the time of this incident.”

The Queensland Police Service spokesperson reassured the community the data was handled in a lawful way and remained dedicated to the security of the apps by bolstering the rules around gaining access to information.

“While the data access was lawful in this instance, the QPS has strengthened its internal policy to ensure public confidence in security of data within both apps,” they said.

“The new policy directs officers not to apply for a search warrant in relation to data gathered for public health-related purposes collected by Covid-19 tracing apps except in extraordinary circumstances and when prior approval has been obtained from the Deputy Commissioner, Strategy and Corporate Services.”

Investigations into the theft offence are ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact PoliceLink here or on 131 444.