Western Downs receives police boost, Tara allocated new senior constables

New senior constables in Tara, along with new officers in Chinchilla and a dedicated Tactical Crime Squad in Dalby, are among the number of police resources set to boost the Western Downs. See the full details.

Tara Police Station is set to receive a boost with additional frontline officers.

The Western Downs will receive a huge boost in frontline police officers, with 15 additional growth positions allocated to the South West District’s frontline including added senior constables and specific units to meet the current demands.

New allocations include two constables or senior constables for the Tara Division as well as a constable, two sergeants and the reclassification of an Officer in Charge role to higher duties for the Chinchilla Division.

Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Charyse Pond said while the region had maintained a sustainable operational level, the extra additions were welcomed.

“The QPS is committed to strengthening permanent policing presence at Tara following the tragic events of 12 December 2022,” she said.

“The allocation of additional resources will contribute to enhanced community relations and engagement activities within the community.”

In addition to the added constables to the Western Downs, a dedicated Tactical Crime Squad which will enlist one sergeant and five constables, as well as a Domestic and Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit will be established in Dalby to support ongoing demands in family-related violence.

Both Tara and Chinchilla will also undergo upgrades to the stations and accommodation facilities.

“The QPS like any organisation, experiences movement and changes in employees as people are impacted or successfully seek transfers or promotions; and each region has the discretion and flexibility to move resources around as demand dictates,” Assistant Commissioner Pond said.

“All stations within the District are also supported by specialist police functions which include officers in Dog Squad, Counter Terrorism and Major Events, Missing Persons Unit, Homicide Investigation Unit, Drug Squad and Disaster Management.”