Gold Coast’s police leadership revolving door cause for concern
WARNINGS of “instability in the lower ranks” as Gold Coast police left to fight a crime wave without top job being filled following a series of bombshell revelations.
Crime and Court
Don't miss out on the headlines from Crime and Court. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE Gold Coast has been without its top cop for nearly four months, smashing morale on the ground as officers confront a crime wave.
The position of former Chief Superintendent Marty Mickelson has been rotated among other senior officers since June when he was sent to Brisbane in an Assistant Commissioner’s role.
“The role needs to be filled,” a police source said. “Until the position is filled the Gold Coast will be in a bit of a holding pattern.”
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN AND GET A FITBIT
Bond University criminologist Dr Terry Goldsworthy said Supt Mickelson was appointed to provide stable police leadership on the Glitter Strip.
“I can’t understand it,” he said. “It creates instability in the lower ranks. The Gold Coast is one of the most difficult policing regions in Queensland.
“We are assured by the hierarchy, by the senior executives and Commissioner that we have stability maintained down here but it hasn’t been that way for four or five years.”
GOLD COAST POLICE FUNDING TO BE CUT
Before the appointment of Supt Mickelson and new regional chief Brian Wilkins in April, Coast policing had been stunned by the following bombshells:
● The arrest of top cop Michelle Stenner, charged with three counts of perjury. She has pleaded not guilty and will face trial.
● Fifteen police officers facing internal investigation for alleged corruption and misconduct.
● A revolving-door police leadership caused by then Chief Superintendent Terry Borland taking extended leave. He subsequently quit in July.
● An ice epidemic where drug arrests are down, highlighting poor proactive policing.
“It’s causing major instability,” another police source said. “The reality is you can’t make decisions you need to make.”
“They are just seat warmers. Now you have to contrast this with rising crime rates and poor clean up rates. All of this comes back to stability in leadership.”
A police spokesman said Supt Mickelson was the permanent Coast District Officer and two Superintendents performing his role had strong local knowledge of crime and management experience.
“The senior positions are also overseen by South Eastern Police Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins,” the spokesman said.
Vicious public assault ‘could not be stopped’
A man who "couldn't be stopped" when he grabbed his partner by the hair and dragged her 100m through a Gold Coast shopping centre car park has now faced court over two dozen charges.
‘I’m not going to promise you anything’
A mother facing a string of drug offences was perhaps too honest with a magistrate yesterday after she initially couldn’t guarantee being on her best behaviour.