Queensland Police Warwick Patrol Inspector Kelly Hanlen joins with three decades of policing experience

The new patrol inspector for our region has been in the top job for 48 hours, and already has some big plans for policing in the region. Here’s what they are.

Warwick's new Inspector Kelly Hanlen has more than 30 years with the police force (Photo: NRM)

The new patrol inspector for the Southern Downs region has only been in the job for 48 hours, but already has some big plans for the way the area will be policed.

Inspector Kelly Hanlen, who has a storied policing career spanning three decades right across Queensland, has started this week in a new role in the Warwick Traffic Patrol region.

Formerly the officer-in-charge at Rockhampton, the inspector has been a seasoned detective and child safety officer across Capricornia and other parts of rural Queensland.

“I’m very happy to have moved here, I have fond memories of coming to the area to visit wineries and driving back into town brought back so many memories,” Inspector Hanlen said.

“It’s a beautiful town with a really strong policing presence, which I’m pleased to see. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know the community.”

Inspector Hanlen said the region’s police service already has a strong bond with the community, so she would like to continue that.

This comes as local police announced they will increase uniformed patrols across major population areas to increase their presence and create a feeling of safety. 

“I want to make sure we as police across the whole patrol group partner with community groups and government groups to make sure we get the best outcomes for our community,” Inspector Hanlen said.

“Safety is important to me, so tackling crime, (in particular) youth crime and making sure we have a strong stance against domestic and family violence are key priorities as inspector.

“I also want to make sure we have a continuation of our strong road safety record in the region too.”

Inspector Hanlen said her priority was to travel throughout the policing region – which stretches from Killarney to Goondiwindi – and meet all the officers as well as community members and relevant stakeholders.

“That’ll give me an idea of any pressure points and where we need to invest our time and effort,” she said.

The top cop said police can no longer “arrest their way out of things” and was keen to implement a community-focused strategy alongside traditional policing.

“I intend to target community groups and agencies to help us work alongside them, particularly in the youth crime space, we need to look at issues like that holistically,” she said.

“Policing is up and down, it comes in cycles, and our job is all about the unknown, we just have to make sure we’re prepared.

“I love policing and I’ve loved it for 30 years, I’m excited to be the patrol inspector in a very large area, and I’m looking forward to it.”