Coolangatta watch house ‘stretched to breaking point’ at more than 200 per cent capacity

Concerns have been raised in relation to capacity at a Gold Coast police lock-up with a state MP claiming overcrowding at the facility was a ‘crisis’.

Coolangatta watch house overcrowding concerns.

Questions have been raised in relation to capacity at Coolangatta’s police lock-up with a state MP claiming overcrowding at the facility was “pure chaos”.

Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon addressed Bulletin reports this week revealing claims by officers the city’s watchhouses were overcrowded and that they were being told not to arrest offenders on return to prison warrants.

“We’ve got a capacity for 63 beds (at Southport) and we’ve got capacity at Coolangatta as well for another dozen people,” Superintendent Hanlon said on Monday.

“The number of people in our watchhouses and corrective services and youth detention centres fluctuates daily.”

Queensland Police Service can’t say how watch house designed for 3 beds can fit more than double. Picture: Luke Marsden.

However, this response appears to contradict previous information released by the state.

In 2019 Police Minister Mark Ryan told state parliament that Coolangatta had a capacity of three beds and Southport had 73.

The Bulletin asked the Queensland Police Service about the discrepancy relating to the capacity figures floated for Coolangatta watchouse. A spokesperson clarified the border lock-up had increased to seven beds.

However they were unable to provide an explanation as to how the extra capacity was created in a facility built to house less than half that number.

Currumbin MP and Shadow Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber, said Coolangatta watch house was in a state of ‘chaos’. Picture: Liam Kidston

State Member for Currumbin, Laura Gerber, said the data highlighted more detainees were being squeezed into the existing space.

“It’s pure chaos and crisis” Ms Gerber said.

“The overcrowding at Coolangatta watchhouse is a result of ten years of poor planning by the state government.

“Our hardworking women and men in blue are bearing the brunt of it.

“Our local coppers are stretched to breaking point.”

The Bulletin asked police minister Mark Ryan if he was concerned about the number of detainees being held at Coolangatta watch house. In a statement he said the facilities can be ‘scaled’ depending on the circumstances.

“I’m also advised that the capacity of watch houses is regularly reviewed” Minister Ryan said.

“Custodial capacity has been expanded in recent times and continues to be expanded.”