Brisbane police out in full force to ensure COVID compliance on New Year’s Eve
Police will be monitoring Brisbane’s busiest locations as well as suburban streets to ensure COVID compliance during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Police & Courts
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Several hundred police will be out in full force tonight to ensure Brisbane residents are complying with COVID rules and being safe.
With a strong focus on South Bank Parklands, Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley, police have warned they will also be present in residential areas where revellers will celebrate from home.
Acting Chief Superintendent Chris Stream, New Year’s Eve commander for the Brisbane region, said specialist units like the railway squad would be assisting with policing celebrations.
“Although we do have this evening the cancellation of fireworks we are expecting a large number of people through South Bank and through the city precincts,” he said.
“We will be conducting an RBT and drug testing operation right across the region and that will continue into the AM hours.
“If you’ve had a night where you’ve been consuming a lot of alcohol you also need to think about driving the next morning.”
“We have the ability to transfer police, being flexible and agile across the region.”
Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd has warned residents concerned about neighbours breaking the rules to leave triple-0 to emergencies.
“By all means, tonight’s New Year’s Eve we’re celebrating, we’re entitled to celebrate but can I ask people to consider not celebrating at the expense of others, COVID doesn’t know it’s New Year’s Eve,” he said.
“Where there are people who are concerned about non compliance and feel they need to call us, please leave triple-0 to emergencies.
“Our approach is going to be as has been all year, it’s about communication, it’s about compassion and it’s about compliance.
“Don’t mistake us not taking action immediately, we reserve the right to follow up using a range of resources available to us, CCTV footage for those who think they can get away compromising the safety of others and get away that night.”
Police Minister Mark Ryan said it’s important revellers aren’t complacent when following COVID safe practices.
“Don’t do anything stupid, 2020 has been tough enough on all of us, don’t make the last day of 2020 even worse by doing something stupid,” he said.
“If you’re going to be travelling on public transport or in busy locations make sure you’re social distancing, good hygiene, if you need a face mask because it’s crowded wear a face mask.”
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