Police outpost boosts security for north Brisbane rail commuters

A $2 million police outpost has officially opened at Northgate station, providing extra security for rail commuters.

At the official opening of the police outpost at Northgate rail station are (from left) Senior Sergeant Simon Arnold from the Railway Squad, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey, Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard and Inspector Lynne Asher from South Gateway Patrol Group.

A $2 MILLION police outpost has officially opened at Northgate station, providing extra security for rail commuters.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said eight officers would be permanently based at the north Brisbane hub.

SUBSCRIPTION DEAL: $1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 12 WEEKS

“There were more than 53 million train trips in 2017/18 and, with 430 additional services coming online at the end of July, the Palaszczuk Government is committed to making sure commuters are as safe as possible,” Mr Bailey said.

“Strategically located at the junction of the Caboolture, Redcliffe Peninsula and Shorncliffe train lines, it will allow the unit to more efficiently deploy officers to incidents at stations and on-board services in Brisbane’s north.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the 78-strong Railway Squad worked closely with Queensland Rail, security guards and TransLink to ensure safety on the rail network.

“In addition to daily patrols, the Railway Squad and Queensland Rail conducted more than 900 proactive joint operations last year, targeting crime and anti-social behaviour on the network,” Mr Ryan said.

MORE NORTH BRISBANE NEWS:

Domino’s plans takeaway store on former Pizza Capers site

Petition aims to stop development proposal at Bridgeman Downs

Residents urge council to stand firm on decision to refuse development application

“Thanks to this ongoing and strong collaboration, serious crime on the South East Queensland rail network remains low, with approximately two police-reported customer assaults per million passenger journeys.”

The Railway Squad operates from purpose-built outposts at Ipswich, Redbank, Robina, Beenleigh, Manly, Roma Street, Petrie and now Northgate.

Mr Bailey also announced Queensland Rail’s authorised officers would now be issued with body-worn cameras following a successful trial.

“Last year, Queensland was the only state to receive five stars for safety by Canstar,” Mr Ryan said.

“Already used by police and TransLink staff, these cameras will add an important set of eyes to QR’s 12,000 CCTV cameras, making sure staff and commuters are safe.”

Member for Nudgee Leanne Linard said the purpose-built police outpost was another win for local commuters, after last week’s announcement of new weekly Northgate shuttle trains.

“From July 29, commuters will have even more options, with 95 extra weekly shuttles to take commuters to their destination,” Ms Linard said.

“Our local police play an important role in our community, and I’m glad to be able to welcome the eight railway squad officers who will be based at Northgate.”