Queensland police officers to be immediately dismissed when sentenced to imprisonment

Queensland police officers and recruits will be immediately dismissed once they are sentenced to imprisonment, under new laws.

Officers and recruits sentenced to a term of imprisonment will be immediately dismissed from the Queensland Police Service under new laws proposed by the state government.

The amendment will remove the “unacceptable” situation where dodgy cops continue to be employed by the police force while awaiting appeal, with Police Minister Mark Ryan flagging the possibility of further legislation to sack officers after disturbing allegations surfaced at the commission of inquiry.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll last month called for special powers to sack cops not fit for service following revelations of vile racist comments from officers and female police recruits being referred to as “fresh meat” by male staff members.

Mr Ryan referenced the disturbing allegations surfaced at the inquiry but insisted new laws would need to be carefully constructed through consultation with the QPS.

“Let me be very clear,” he told Parliament on Thursday.

“The examples that we have heard during the public hearings of the commission of inquiry are completely unacceptable.

Mr Ryan said the vast majority of officers do the right thing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“For people who do the wrong thing, there is no place for them being in the Queensland Police Service.

“The government will carefully consider the recommendations the commission of inquiry might make about the police discipline system and consult all stakeholders about any need for legislative amendments during this term of government.”

Mr Ryan said the current amendments to the Bill before Parliament would enable the immediate dismissal of a police officer or police recruit when they are sentenced to imprisonment for an offence including a suspended imprisonment sentence.

“This contrasts with the current position where a police officer may be imprisoned in jail but not dismissed from the Queensland Police Service until all criminal appeals have ended and a police disciplinary investigation is finalised.

“The current process can take many months.

“This amendment will avoid the unacceptable situation where a sentenced and imprisoned police officer who has chosen not to resign from the Queensland Police Service continues to be employed until all criminal appeals have expired and the police disciplinary process orders their eventual dismissal.”