The future of Townsville police’s RAP unit is under review
The future of a specialist police unit in Townsville is up in the air, with a review being conducted into its effectiveness.
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The future of a specialist police unit in Townsville is up in the air, with a review being conducted into its effectiveness.
The Rapid Action Patrol (RAP) was created in the city as a property crime fighting unit, dedicated to quickly responding to calls for service and rounding up known offenders.
Several police sources have confirmed RAP, which was formed in 2012, is being reviewed, with a report being compiled about the function the group serves to the community.
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Despite this and confirmation it is being looked at as part of a Queensland Police wide service review, Police Minister Mark Ryan denied the claims and said RAP was not going anywhere.
“I am advised by the Commissioner’s Office that there are no plans to shut down the Townsville RAP, and there never have been,” he said.
“I am advised the Townsville RAP will remain in place.”
It’s understood RAP has 45 positions, but several police sources have told the Bulletin that many have been left vacant, with reports many officers do not want to work at the unit.
There is no indication the police district will lose those officers.
Townsville District Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said he was looking at the future of RAP as part of a whole service review, the Service Alignment Program, but insisted no team was being singled out.
“No one and no work unit will be immune from this review,” he said.
“We continually look at how we can do things better.
“The way we do business, for everyone, will change.”
Supt Hanlon said RAP’s bread and butter was responding quickly to incidents, primarily property crime.
The Townsville RAP was set up after the Gold Coast rolled out its own version of the group.
Opposition spokesman for police Dan Purdie said it was “very concerning” to hear the major police unit may be reviewed.
“At a time when Townsville has faced serious crime issues over the last five years it beggars belief this police squad would be wound up,” Mr Purdie said.
“This is a squad tasked with targeting crime hot spots and preventing crime from being committed.
“Townsville police need more resources, not less.”
Originally published as The future of Townsville police’s RAP unit is under review