Queensland Police Union calls for District Duty Officers for Wide Bay

The Queensland Police Union has joined the growing chorus of supporters backing News Corp’s campaign to get District Duty Officers to the Wide Bay now.

QPU Legal Manager Shayne Maxwell was present on the Fraser Coast for two recent coronial inquests, including one which brought the issue of DDOs for the region to the fore.

As the push to bring District Duty Officers to the Wide Bay amps up, the Queensland Police Union has spoken out on the issue.

QPU Legal Manager Shayne Maxwell was present on the Fraser Coast for two recent coronial inquests, including one, into the death of William Grimes where the lack of DDO in the region was a common theme.

The campaign to bring the officers to the region, spearheaded by the Fraser Coast Chronicle, Gympie Times and Bundaberg NewsMail, began in the aftermath of an inquest investigating the death of a young father in Maryborough in late October, 2022.

The inquest at Hervey Bay Courthouse delved into the moment Mr Grimes, 31, was tasered after he doused himself with fuel on March 3, 2020, at Granville State School.

The inquest also heard from experts who were unable to determine if it was the lighter in Mr Grimes’ hand or the taser used by police that ignited the flames that caused burns to 70 per cent of Mr Grimes’ body.

While the findings of the inquest have not yet been released, the role of District Duty Officers, and the region’s lack of such an officer, was repeatedly raised during the hearings.

Last week, former police officers Steve Webb and Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien voiced their support for the campaign.

Now, Mr Maxwell has also added his voice to the push to bring DDOs to the region, calling on Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service Katarina Carroll not to wait to create the positions.

QPU Legal Manager Shayne Maxwell was present on the Fraser Coast for two recent coronial inquests, including one which brought the issue of DDOs for the region to the fore.

“The Queensland Police Union would welcome the addition of District Duty Officers in the Wide Bay area to provide 24-hour support and assistance to frontline police,” he said.

“A Senior Sergeant provides a vital role in supervision, oversight and management of critical incidents, crime scenes along with operational leadership and can authorise overtime for frontline police and specialists to provide continuity ensuring calls for response are dealt with efficiently.

“The Police Commissioner does not need to wait for the recommendation of a Coroner to act, the position of DDO can be initiated promptly and a budget allocated to ensure frontline police are provided with the support they need.”

It is understood the Wide Bay is the only region from the Gold Coast to Cairns that does not have a DDO, but the creation of five positions would give coverage to the region seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with a senior officer a phone call away.

DDOs are typically senior sergeants with more than 15 years’ experience on the force.

All four officers called to the scene to help Mr Grimes that night agreed a DDO would have been a valuable resource.

The issue of DDOs will be considered as part of Coroner Terry Ryan’s findings, to be handed down in coming months.

Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said it would not be appropriate to comment while the matter was subject to coronial proceedings.

“The QPS will thoroughly consider any recommendations put forward by the Coroner,” she said.

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