January 13, 2025
The State Government launched a new rapid response police squad at the weekend to “swoop” on crime hotspots across Queensland.
The “State Flying Squad” will consist of 58 officers, including police currently attached to Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion plus 41 more full-time staff.
The government has committed $32.4 million over five years to the initiative.
Deputy Police Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon said the Police Service welcomed the allocation of funding.
“In doing so, it will reaffirm our commitment to community safety and addressing youth crime by allowing the State Flying Squad to continue the highly successful work performed by Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion,” Deputy Commissioner Scanlon said.
“The investment strengthens our targeted operations capability, ensuring we have resources needed to respond quickly and effectively to crime hotspots across Queensland.”
Premier David Crisafulli said the flying squad – described as the biggest in the State’s history – would strike at the heart of crime.
“Backed by our tough Making Queensland Safer Laws, the State Flying Squad represents a new era of policing and will give communities the backup needed, when they need it,” the Premier said.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said it was an important step towards solving the crime crisis and supporting police.
“Our new State Flying Squad will be able to deploy at a moment’s notice into any corner of Queensland, providing on-the-ground support to police on the frontline who need it most,” Minister Purdie said.
Taskforce Guardian is the multi-agency rapid response team which deals with spikes in youth crime, while Operation Whiskey Legion is short-term high-visibility policing in crime hotspots. Both have been in action in the South Burnett region.
A State Government spokesperson said the latest funding was on top of the $15.45 million announced on January 6 for four years’ support for the Youth Crime Taskforce.
“The State Flying Squad, which will absorb Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion, is another funding announcement, with $32.4 million in separate funding,” the spokesperson said.
- Related article: $15.45m For Youth Crime Taskforce
