The Crisafulli Government has launched the largest rapid response unit in Queensland Police history, unveiling a new 58-officer ‘State Flying Squad’ to target crime hotspots across the state.
Backed by $32.4 million in funding over five years, the squad will focus on Queensland’s worst juvenile and adult offenders, absorbing existing teams such as Taskforce Guardian and Operation Whiskey Legion.
Premier David Crisafulli said the squad was a critical step in restoring community safety.
“This squad will strike at the heart of crime and help restore community safety across the state,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“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.”
Police Minister Dan Purdie said the new squad would restore frontline capability.
“Our new State Flying Squad will be able to deploy at a moment’s notice into any corner of Queensland,” he said.
“Youth offenders and high-risk criminals will be a major focus.”
Deputy Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon welcomed the boost in staffing.
“The investment strengthens our targeted operations capability, ensuring we have resources needed to respond quickly and effectively to crime hotspots across Queensland,” she said.