March 19, 2018
The Queensland Police Service has responded to suggestions a recent rise in youth crime in the Murgon area could be linked to staffing shortages caused by the Commonwealth Games.
A QPS spokesperson said there was currently one vacancy at Murgon Police Station but an officer would arrive to fill that vacancy in a fortnight.
“Another two officers have been transferred from Murgon Station, however these officers will not depart on transfer until after the Commonwealth Games in late April,” the QPS spokesman said.
“In addition, a surplus sergeant has recently been transferred to Murgon.
“The station has three police officers who have been assigned to the Commonwealth Games, however, with leave restrictions and a training embargo, service is not affected.
“The South West District Officer continues to monitor staffing numbers at Murgon Station to ensure effective service delivery to the community.”
The spokesperson said Murgon had a 24-hour policing presence and was staffed by 22 police officers and one Watch House manager.
“Police from Murgon actively patrol both the Murgon and Cherbourg communities to keep a highly visible policing presence in both communities,” the spokesperson said.
“When required, staff from Murgon Station attend to reported incidents in Cherbourg.”
The spokesperson said Murgon Police conducted “proactive operations and activities” aimed at solving and reducing crime in the community.
“This includes assistance from the Toowoomba Dog Squad, specialist staff from the Darling Downs and Moreton District’s Tactical Crime Squads and the Road Policing Command,” the spokesperson said.
“This assistance is a regular operational occurrence and will continue as part of the QPS response to policing the Murgon and Cherbourg communities.”
- Related article: No More Police ‘Until After Games’
