NewsBite

‘Overcrowded’: Police officers from across Queensland sent to work at Cairns watch-house

Police officers from Townsville and Brisbane have been deployed to Far North Queensland to combat worker shortages at Cairns’ “overcrowded” watch-house this month.

Police officers from Townsville and Brisbane have been deployed to Far North Queensland to combat worker shortages at Cairns’ “overcrowded” watch-house this month.

A leaked email seen by the Cairns Post revealed Townsville police officers have been offered flights, overtime and travel allowance to work at the watch-house in order to “maintain sufficient staffing levels for safety and security”.

The visitor entrance and exit to the Cairns Watchhouse located between the Cairns Police Station and Cairns Courthouse. Picture: Brendan Radke
The visitor entrance and exit to the Cairns Watchhouse located between the Cairns Police Station and Cairns Courthouse. Picture: Brendan Radke

“An opportunity has arisen for anyone who is on RDs (rostered days off) and fatigue management compliant to head to Cairns to assist,” the email reads.

Late last year, the Queensland Police Union declared there was a “death waiting to happen” with Townsville’s facility at 178 per cent capacity, Mount Isa 219 per cent and Cairns 125 per cent.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman confirmed officers from across the state have been providing support but refused to reveal how many prisoners were currently at the Cairns watchhouse.

“The capacity of Queensland Police Service watchhouses, including those in Far North Queensland, are subject to fluctuations,” the spokeswoman said.

“The QPS is temporarily accommodating a number of people at the Cairns Watch-house, who are either awaiting their first appearance, have been sentenced or remanded by a court and awaiting acceptance and admission to a correctional facility.

“Capacity is closely monitored and transfers between watchhouses are instigated when needed, to appropriately accommodate the operations of the watchhouse and welfare of those in custody.”

At least nine officers, four from the Townsville District and five from the Brisbane region, have been sent to Cairns over the last week, the spokeswoman said.

“The QPS continues to work with Queensland Corrective Services and the Department of Youth Justice to ensure those who have been remanded and sentenced by a court remain in a watchhouse for the shortest possible time,” she said.

“The safety of people in the custody of the QPS remains paramount.”

In a bid to ease pressure on overflowing watch-houses last year, the government opted to fly prisoners around the state in a move dubbed “Con Air” by critics.

The Queensland Police Union declined to comment.

samuel.davis2@news.com.au

Originally published as ‘Overcrowded’: Police officers from across Queensland sent to work at Cairns watch-house

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/cairns/overcrowded-police-officers-from-across-queensland-sent-to-work-at-cairns-watchhouse/news-story/73601ee6b524d763162134230ef3fafb