Queensland’s Police Commissioner, Steve Gollschewski, has shed light on the dire burnout crisis affecting frontline officers, with new figures revealing the state’s force is responding to over 100,000 jobs a month.
The Sobering Statistics
Between July and December this year, police responded to more than 500,000 calls for service, a whopping 6% increase from the same period last year. But what’s driving this surge in demand?
Domestic Violence on the Rise
According to the Queensland Police Service’s latest crime statistics, domestic violence offences are continuing to grow, while other areas of criminality are experiencing a decrease. In 2019-2020, domestic violence accounted for 24.4% of total assault offences. Fast-forward to 2023-2024, and that figure has ballooned to 56.9%. It’s no wonder Commissioner Gollschewski says his team is “under the pump every day”.
The Human Cost
The Commissioner is acutely aware of the toll this is taking on his officers. “We are operationally red-lining most days,” he admits. “We’re under the pump, every day trying to deliver those services and at the same time we’re trying to take on an ambitious reform program.” With a surge in domestic violence, officers are often tied up for four to six hours of their shift dealing with these complex cases. It’s a far cry from proactive policing.
The Recruitment Conundrum
So, what’s the solution? Commissioner Gollschewski believes recruitment and investment in improved systems are key. “This is why the recruitment side of it and all the investment side in improved systems is so important for us. We’re red-lining trying to deal with these things.” But it’s not just about throwing more bodies at the problem. The Commissioner likens the challenge to “building the plane while we’re flying it… and not crashing it.”
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the bleak outlook, there are some encouraging signs. The total number of unique youth offenders has decreased by 18% since 2012-13. And while the total offences including both adult and juvenile decreased by only 0.1%, it’s a start.
The Way Forward
Commissioner Gollschewski’s goal is to alleviate pressure on the exhausted frontline, allowing officers to focus on proactive policing. It’s a daunting task, but with a renewed focus on reform, there’s hope for a brighter future for Queensland’s police force.