Assistant Commissioner denies disconnect between police and management on the Gold Coast

One of the state’s top cops has denied a widespread revolt amongst officers on the Gold Coast. Find out what he had to say.

One of the Queensland’s highest ranking police officials says there is no division between rank and file officers and senior management on the Gold Coast.

Assistant Commissioner Kevin Gutteridge met with senior officers at Pimpama Station on Monday morning following a tumultuous week for the service.

Queensland Police Service is at threat of an internal revolt following the decision to stand down respected Senior Sergeant Arron Ottaway over claims he authorised officers to ram a stolen car driven by an armed offender at Mermaid Waters on February 1.

Addressing the media following the meeting, Assistant Commissioner Gutteridge denied the catch-up was for crisis talks and said it was a “great opportunity” to discuss issues facing the Gold Coast region.

“What’s been happening definitely warranted an engagement between us and the leadership team out here,” he said referring to Snr Sgt Ottaway.

“There is an opportunity for us to look at some of the systems and opportunities we have in place.”

Senior Gold Coast officers arriving at Pimpama station. Picture: Charlton Hart

The meeting between senior management comes following concerns over further unrest in the ranks after the Bulletin revealed more officers were also facing disciplinary action for pursuing armed offenders.

Sergeant Todd Miller and Senior Constable Aaron Minns were attempting to box in a stolen Skoda in September 2022 which had armed teens on-board.

The offenders hit Constable Minns’ car and caused it to lose control.

He was injured from the crash. Both Constable Minns and his colleague Sergeant Miller have been under investigation for more than 18 months.

The revelations prompted outrage amongst staff with one telling the Bulletin officers felt they weren’t supported by their leadership.

“Our view of the job and that of management are irreconcilable and the only way out is for heads to roll, that is, the bosses walk or we do,” the officer said.

However Assistant Commissioner Gutteridge said he didn’t believe there was a disconnect between management and staff following his discussions with the leadership team.

“I certainly don’t think it is anywhere near what has been portrayed,” he said.

“I do understand that there are some small pockets, and that’s not just here its across the state, that from time to time people do get frustrated.”

Assistant Commissioner Kevin Gutteridge addressing the media outside Pimpama station. Picture: Charlton Hart

An officer in charge of a Gold Coast station told the Bulletin they were “gobsmacked” by the Assistant Commissioner’s response.

“I have a critical shortage of staff at my station. They are walking out the door in droves” the officer said.

“We’re gutted. How bad do things have to get before someone will stand up and take some accountability?”

The senior officer said he was regularly unable to find a crew to respond to priority call-outs and hadn’t been able to roster a vehicle for night shift patrols in several weeks.

“I just cannot look my staff in the eye and tell them everything will be OK anymore, we are drowning and there is no one coming to help.”

The Bulletin has been told by police sources that a union delegates meeting with management which was scheduled to take place next week, has been brought forward amid the unrest among staff.

Another senior leadership meeting has also been scheduled for later in the week.