Check out What The Pollies have to say
Click Here: Read what they say
Cairns crime gang goes through the roof
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Wanted: Police have released these security images of the crime gang at work.
POLICE are hunting for a balding thief and his gang who have cut through the roofs of nine businesses to steal $50,000 across Cairns.
The gang, which has struck from Woree to Holloways Beach, were "organised and sophisticated", Cairns CIB
officer-in-charge Det Sen-Sgt Ed Kinbacher said.
Chemists, supermarkets, sporting clubs and a carwash cafe were targeted between January 10 and February 19.
The thieves smashed their way into Lynchy's IGA at Holloways Beach with crowbars and used trolleys to steal 100 cartons of cigarettes and a safe.
Wearing balaclavas, they set off the security alarms, but then disarmed the device.
"The method of entry changes; it could be two different groups working separately over town," Sen-Sgt Kinbacher said.
"We don't know. But there's a great level of sophistication in these particular offences.
"(They are) breaking through the roofs and using metal snips to get through the roof, they are deactivating alarms and they are simply kicking out the interior roofs and getting themselves into the building.
"Now also, they are breaking glass doorways and with brute force entry.
"(And) the manner of the instances vary between offences. Principally through roofs, and in some instances the offenders have targeted poker machines and safes."
CIB released CCTV footage from a Manunda business yesterday in a bid to track down the offenders.
Police are looking for information on a man described as being Caucasian, appears to be in his 30s, balding and wears a grey baseball cap.
"The balding head on the older male is quite unusual because he's from a different demographic than our normal break and enter offenders," Det Sen-Sgt Kinbacher said.
Anyone with information should call Cairns police on 4030 7000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1800 333 000
Police Union secret poll puts heat on Bob Atkinson
The survey is being conducted on the Queensland Police Union's new password-protected website – away from the prying eyes of anyone who is not a paid-up member.
It follows a series of clashes between the QPU and the Commissioner in the past 12 months over a wide range of issues, from the increased use of speed cameras and a tough new drink-driving policy for police, to DNA testing of officers and harsh disciplinary measures.
Mr Atkinson's publicly-stated concerns about officers' use of force in Fortitude Valley and Surfers Paradise has also triggered a wave of discontent among police who claim the Commissioner is becoming out of touch.
QPU president Ian Leavers defended the poll, saying it was more about the government's decision than Mr Atkinson's competence.
"It is important that we properly understand the views of our membership and running website polls assists in that process."
Mr Atkinson remains adamant he has the support of the vast majority of police and said he would walk away if he thought he did not.
The locked website is not the only change implemented by Mr Leavers in his first year of leading the powerful police union.
He has also overseen a cultural shift within the union to support those police who give evidence against fellow officers accused of wrongdoing.
"In the past if police were making a complaint (against another officer) they didn't come to the union," Mr Leavers said.
"Now 30 to 40 per cent of complaints that go to the Crime and Misconduct Commission or the Ethical Standards Command are made by police and that is a big change from 20 years ago. We have to support police when they make complaints and go through the process."
He realised the need to back the whistleblowers during last year's committal hearing for former Airlie Beach officer Benjamin Price, who is accused of bashing three people.
Although the union is financing Price's defence, Mr Leavers said he was aware of the hardship facing those giving evidence against him.
"Sometimes they felt the support was only for the person before the courts," Mr Leavers said. "I do take the view that everyone . . . is innocent until proven otherwise (but) it's very difficult for police who have to give evidence."
Guards on record to fix prison concerns
LOTUS Glen prison officers will start recording meetings with management this week in a last-ditch bid to address on-going security and bullying concerns at the prison.
Tensions hit a low point between officers and management in January when a semi-automatic handgun disappeared and was subsequently returned three days later.
It lead to a vote of noconfidence in management and the lodging of a formal complaint to the Industrial Relations Commission.
Queensland Public Sector Union Far Northern organiser Kevin O’Sullivan said sending minutes and recordings of monthly meetings, which would be forwarded to senior Corrective Service staffers, was an initiative born from the recent Community Cabinet.
He said if the move was successful, it could keep union members grievances out of the commission.
“Our members will know within the first week if there is a genuine desire to fix things,” he said.
“There is going to need to be a radical shift in attitude.”
Mr O’Sullivan said once the Lotus Glen expansion was complete, the prison would be one of the largest employers on the Tableland and it was vital all bullying and security concerns were addressed.
A Corrective Service spokesman said the department supported measures which allow staff and management to co-operatively resolve issues.
Top cop’s night CBD walk uneventful
THE Queensland Police Minister and the state’s top cop might have had a trouble-free night on the beat on Saturday, but alcohol-related crime and violence is rife in Cairns, the Residents Against Crime says.
Minister Neil Roberts and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson spent 90 minutes walking the Cairns CBD from 10.30pm on Saturday speaking to police on the beat, licensees and the public to get a feel for the problems facing Cairns. They witnessed no trouble. But Residents Against Crime president Barry Neall said violence and crime remained a serious issue.
He said more police were needed and hardline sentencing had to be introduced to back police up.
“These guys walk around, and Bob Atkinson is usually in a uniform, and people just disappear,” he said.
“They must have their heads in the sand if they think nothing is wrong because they didn’t see anything in an hour and a half.”
Mr Neall said Cairns already held the title of the assault capital of Queensland and it was also fast gaining the mantle of drug capital of the state.
“They are just pushing this matter aside but the Government needs to accept that police numbers are not adequate and the courts need tougher sentencing laws.
“Right now, they are so weak that the offenders walk out the front door (of the court house) behind the police.”
Mr Atkinson said at times, Cairns has similar alcohol-related issues to other communities, but it is generally a safe and positive environment.
“Police continue to monitor these issues and work with the community and industry to address any areas of concern,” he said.
“Last night’s visit highlighted the value of the CCTV network in the CBD and the council’s support in this area is acknowledged.”
Mr Roberts said the walk was an opportunity to see the local CBD and witness first-hand the challenges facing police.
He said he saw no evidence of bad behaviour, while admitting he was not out during the problem period of 2am and onwards, but saw plenty of evidence of police, the Cairns City Council and local business working together.
Relaunched group will aim to make community safer
Congratulations Inspector David Tucker and the residents of Innisfail for resurreccting something that will work - LETS SHOW THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT CAN BE DONE
AN alarming increase in violence in homes and licensed premises has led police to resurrect a Community Against Violence Group in the Innisfail district.
Inspector David Tucker said assaults and breaches of both domestic violence and family violence orders had risen dramatically in January across the Innisfail district which extends from Cardwell to Fishery Falls.
“We had 17 complaints of breaches of orders and 23 complaints of assault over the month – both considerably higher figures than for the same time last year,” he said yesterday.
“Assaults go up and down but this is high for Innisfail.”
He wants to reinstate the district’s Cassowary Coast Community Against Violence Group after a year’s hiatus, saying the spike in levels of violence meant new strategies were needed.
Police are calling on government and non-government agencies to sign up.
The move follows the bashing of an Innisfail man at a party at Miriwinni and a knife attack, that left a woman with arm wounds, on a vacant Munro St block at Babinda.
Insp Tucker said many of the incidents were alcohol or drugfuelled.
“Mostly it’s been people who know each other and are getting into physical fights over verbal disagreements,” he said.
“It doesn’t need to get to the situation where people feel the only way to solve a problem is with violence.”
The Innisfail district’s figures, while higher than normal for January, were probably no different to other regional communities but were still unacceptably high, he said.
“We will look at how government and non-government agencies can work together better so in many individual cases can be managed better, and we’ll see how we can better respond to mental health needs in the district too,” he said.
The group had taken a back seat last year to sub-committees dealing with truancy, liquor accords and other issues, Insp Tucker said.
He expects the first Cassowary Coast Community Against Violence meeting to be held in March.
Knife culture fears as girl, 12, disciplined
PARENTS and educators fear a knife culture may be brewing in schools as a 12-year-old girl was disciplined for pulling a blade on another Far Northern student.
Pressure is mounting on the State Government to consider new measures to stem weapons-related offences in schools after the incident at Western Cape College’s Weipa campus on Wednesday.
A year 8 student has been disciplined under the Juvenile Justice Act after pulling a steak knife on a female classmate during a playground argument before school.
Teachers intervened before anyone was hurt.
The incident comes less than two weeks after a 12-year-old boy died following a stabbing at a Brisbane private school.
It also comes a day after the launch of the Queensland Schools Alliance Against Violence campaign, an initiative that gathers together education stakeholders working to reduce violence.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson yesterday assured parents Queensland schools were safe.
He said the latest incident stemmed from abusive emails.
"They were sending email messages to each other which elevated to some abuse," he said.
Opposition education spokesman Bruce Flegg said a knife culture was growing in classrooms.
"Undoubtedly … it’s escalating and growing and the more people become fearful, the more people carry weapons," Mr Flegg said.
He supported the use of metal detectors in schools.
Queensland Council of Parents and Citizens Associations president Margaret Black said a knife culture in wider society was having a flow-on effect in schools.
Queensland Association of State School Principals president Norm Hart said the Weipa episode could be a copy-cat case.
Western Cape College’s executive principal Don Anderson refused to comment yesterday
Girl, 12, pulls knife on classmate
A 12-year-old girl allegedly pulled a steak knife on a fellow student during a playground argument at a Far North Queensland school.
Police said the girl verbally threatened another girl, also 12, before brandishing the blade, which was later confiscated by teachers at the school in Weipa, northwest of Cairns.
No one was injured in the altercation. The girl to be dealt with under the Juvenile Justice Act.
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson said the incident allegedly followed an argument on a website.
"They were sending email messages to each other which elevated to some abuse," he said.
"One took a knife to school. It will be alleged that one of the 12-year-old girls then threatened the other girl with a knife.
"There was a teacher immediately nearby, who took possession of the knife without any problem."
The incident comes less than two weeks since a 12-year-old was stabbed to death at a Brisbane school.
Elliott Fletcher was laid to rest last week after allegedly being stabbed by a 13-year-old at St Patrick's College at Shorncliffe.
Full story in The Cairns Post tomorrow
Policeman head-butted at Cairns Airport
A WANTED man who was caught at Cairns Airport allegedly head-butted a policeman as authorities swooped on him.
Jimmy Hokey Kris, 30, of Mabuiag Island, appeared in Cairns Magistrates’ Court this morning, after his arrest at the domestic terminal yesterday morning.
He is charged with serious assault over the alleged head-butt.
The Cairns Airport police officer involved suffered facial abrasions.
A warrant for his arrest had earlier been issued for a number of charges, including assault occasioning bodily harm, common assault, breaking and entering, wilful damage, and two breaches of domestic violence orders and two breaches of bail.
He was remanded in custody to reappear in court tomorrow.
Help needed to continue good work. Please support Geoff Guest
Extract from Letters to the Editor, Cairns Post
GEOFF Guest (5-2-10) needs financial help to continue his work.
My son was one of the 4000 boys and young men who went through the Petford Training Camp and he loves Geoff and his wife, Norma, and appreciates what they did for him all those years ago.
He is now a ringer by trade, and a really good one.
Geoff has never stopped his work of kindness and caring. He now works with alcoholic men seriously sick and disadvantaged and is keeping them alive and sober by using natural therapies, bio-feedback and his special kind of caring. He is having amazing success. The Tablelands Regional Council has given him space to see his clients and he collaborates with other local professional healers.
But he needs financial assistance to continue his work.
He told me he didn’t need any pay, he does this out of his pension.
If anyone can assist with ideas, fundraising skills or finance, no matter how small, phone me on 4063 2595 or 0428 190 438. money better than Kevin Rudd can the billions of taxpayers’ money for which he is responsible.
Lyn Muller, Mourilyn
Cop waits for tests
A CAIRNS constable will have a nervous wait on infectious disease test results after a 16-year-old boy spat in his eye about 9.40pm on Thursday in Lake St. The boy was charged with serious assault on a police officer and will face Cairns Children’s Court on March 8.
Read story: click
Cops’ roster shift spots go begging What have been saying and Fighting for!
THE Mareeba police district has been forced to beg for help from smaller Tableland stations and drag officers up from Cairns to fill gapping holes in its roster.
The Weekend Post can reveal that a chronic shortage of officers in Mareeba has left management unable to fill 23 shifts on a 28-day roster that starts today.
In a bid to plug the holes, an email has been sent to one and two person stations to rustle up troops but the short-term stopgaps has been met with outrage by the police union.
Secretary-general Mick Barnes yesterday said the issue of “critical” shortages had been raised in December but nothing had been done. He said ignoring the staffing shortfalls was putting the community and police at risk.
“It is a grave concern that there are 23 shifts on a 28 day roster that cannot be filled,” he said.
“It adds risk to the community and places a huge strain on officers.”
Mr Barnes said taking officers from smaller stations created problems as it left districts with a dangerously reduced police presence.
“More officers are needed,” he said.
A police spokesman said there werethreevacanciesforsergeants in the Mareeba district.
“The selection process for appointing these officers will be finalised shortly,” he said.
“While there are a number of vacancies for constables/senior constables, these vacancies are being off-set by first year constables which is consistent with the statewide approach.
“Officers from throughout the Mareeba district are utilised where shortfalls are identified in rostering requirements.”
He said calls for service were prioritised and could be attended by any available unit but the service did not comment on the 23 shifts that could not be filled.
Two face court over glassing, stabbing
Tuesday, February 16, 2010.
TWO young women who allegedly glassed and stabbed a couple at Innisfail will front court this morning.
The pair, both 21, will front Innisfail Magistrates’ Court after the alleged attack on Friday.
A 57-year-old man was left with a laceration from a knife and a 58-year-old woman with a head wound after allegedly being struck with a glass bottle.
Senior citizen fights off thief Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wanted: Police have released this image after an assault on a 69-year-old woman at Malanda.
POLICE are hunting a fat thief who got elbowed in the stomach when he tried to steal a senior citizen's handbag.
Police are investigating an assault on the 69-year-old woman about 1pm on Tuesday outside a convenience store on Catherine St, Malanda.
The man approached her from behind and requested she hand over her bag.
The woman reacted by elbowing the man in the stomach and then kicking him before retreating back to the supermarket.
The man is described as Caucasian, about 187cm tall, overweight with light brown hair.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have any information about this incident to contact their local police station or Crimestoppers on
Car thief on run after manhunt
A CAR thief remains on the run after leading police on a chase, crashing a car and sparking a major search near Innisfail.
A silver 2003 Holden Commodore sedan was stolen early in Cardwell early this morning. The driver led police on a pursuit, before crashing at the intersection of Glady and Grace streets, Innisfail. He then drove into a cane paddock near Sundown and fled the scene.
The alleged thief was described by a witness at Cardwell as being about 20 to 30 years old, about 180cm, skinny, dark black curly hair, olive skin, a small to medium moustache, wearing a dark green/blue shirt with a white stripe down the sleeve, and dark shorts, possibly Stubbies.
The police dog squad from Cairns and emergency helicopter were brought in to help police in their search for the man.
Police are seeking witnesses to the behaviour of the driver of the stolen silver Holden Commodore.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers.
Full story in The Cairns Post tomorrow.
Road-rage attack stuns Cairns woman
Shaken: Rachel Geary was still coming to terms with her ordeal yesterday. 
A YOUNG woman was followed from Caravonica to Clifton Beach, pulled from her car and viciously assaulted in a chilling road-rage incident.
Passengers in the other car watched and laughed as Rachel Geary, 19, was punched to the face several times by an irate female stranger, she told The Cairns Post yesterday.
Ms Geary has now made a desperate plea for the public to help police find her attackers and bring them to justice.
Tell us what you think. Do you think road rage is a major problem in Cairns? Post a comment or vote in our poll.
The matter was sparked when Ms Geary slowed to 60km/h from 80km/h as she entered a school zone on Brinsmead-Kamerunga Rd at Caravonica at 2pm last Monday. The driver of a white car then tailgated Ms Geary’s silver Honda as she turned left on to the Captain Cook Highway.
The white car then pulled alongside her and the passengers yelled profanities and made rude gestures.
"I didn’t realise they were following me until I got to the last roundabout," Ms Geary, who has lived in Cairns for three months, said. "I was so scared.
"When I got (to Clifton Beach), she ripped me out of the car and just pushed me in between my door and the car.
"I asked her, ‘What did I do wrong?’ and then she went totally psycho and started bashing me in my face.
"It was scary. She was laying into me. This went on for five minutes and there were another two people in the back seat watching and laughing."
Ms Geary said the brutal driver, described as a Caucasian woman aged in her 40s, then left the scene.
"Who follows someone for 20 minutes just because I slowed down in a 60(km/h) zone?" she said. "I don’t understand why they did that in the first place."
Ms Geary sustained bruising and swelling to her face and scratches to her chest. The ordeal has left her shaken.
It is the latest in a sad series of motoring incidents to affect the young woman. Her mother, Deborah, died in a car crash near Biloela in December 2007 when thrown from a vehicle driven by her husband, Jim. The pair were on their way to pick up Ms Geary, who was working as a jillaroo at a Gulf property.
In July 2007, her brother Stephen was cleared of charges over the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm when a jury found he had been chased by others at the time.
Anyone with any information about this incident should contact Smithfield police on 4057 1900 or Crime Stoppers on
Click Here to see: ROAD RAGE CARTOON
Nine arrests in Cairns drug busts Thursday, February 11, 2010
NINE people have been arrested in drug busts at nine Cairns homes.
Police executed search warrants at nine residences from Edmonton to Machans Beach yesterday.
Nine people were charged with a total of 15 offences including producing a dangerous drug; possession of a dangerous drug and possession of utensils.
The operation netted cannabis plants, cannabis and powder drugs as well as a number of drug related utensils.
Full story in The Cairns Post tomorrow.
Police nab Westcourt drug lab
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
AN alleged amphetamine laboratory has been uncovered during a police raid at a community housing block at Westcourt this morning.
Three men have been taken into custody after the raid at Hogan St about 8.45am.Detectives and uniformed officers stormed the complex while fire crews inspected the unit for harmful gas and chemicals.
Residents living in the block are currently sitting in tents outside the units and could be put up in a motel until investigations are complete.
Far Northern crime co-ordinator John Hartwell would not speculate on whether drugs were also uncovered at the scene.
Investigations are continuing.
Full report in tomorrow's The Cairns Post
A KEWARRA Beach pharmacist says he will stop stocking products with pseudoephedrine in them amid fears of an increasing drug trade in the Far North.
Graham Stevens, who owns Kewarra Beach Pharmacy, has been targeted twice since late December by thieves looking for pseudoephedrine-based medication.
The latest theft, in the early hours of yesterday morning, has left Mr Stevens fearing an increasing drug trade in Cairns and on the Tableland.
Pseudoephedrine is often targeted by those in the drug trade as a core ingredient for making speed.
Mr Stevens said the second break-in had convinced him to stop stocking the products, a decision he said would affect his bottom line.
"Because of this I am going to stop stocking the products. There is nothing else I can do," he said.
Mr Stevens said the thieves left empty handed in yesterday’s break-in, having been unable to find the product they were after and settling for five boxes of cold and flu medication.
Anyone with information on yesterday’s break and enter should contact Cairns police on 4030 7000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Teen girls in rampage of vandalism
Wednesday, January 20, 2010.
Vandalised Cooya St resident Carlo Rosa arrived home from his job in Papua New Guinea on Monday night and spent yesterday morning scrubbing graffiti off his wife’s car.
FOUR girls have allegedly carved a swath of trouble through Kewarra Beach, vandalising 16 cars, damaging a house and stealing items from parked vehicles.
Shocked residents were yesterday still cleaning up from the vandalism that happened early on Monday morning in Bronte Close, Etty St, Howie Close, Cooya St and Cable Close.
Cooya St resident Carlo Rosa arrived home from his job in Papua New Guinea on Monday night and spent yesterday morning scrubbing graffiti off his wife’s car.
"They targeted the whole street," Mr Rosa said.
"We just had writing all over the car, on all the panels, the windows.
"It was vulgar language all in thick texta.
"It took me about an hour and a half to get it all off by using metho and with a bit of scrubbing."
Police have arrested a 13-year-old-girl and a 15-year-old-girl in relation to the crimes but said they were still looking for two other girls, aged 13 and 15.
Smithfield CIB detective acting Sgt Josh Riles said police knew the identities of the other girls and were tracking them down.
Sgt Riles said the four girls targeted cars that were left unlocked, reiterating recent police messages to always lock vehicles.
He said he could understand residents’ frustrations.
"It is an inconvenience more than anything and if they didn’t have the cleaning products at home, they would have to drive around with the writing on their cars," he said.
"It would be frustrating, I am sure."
Mr Rosa said his wife was home at the time of the attack but did not hear anything unusual.
He said the vandalism came as a shock to the quiet neighbourhood.
"There were a few break-ins a couple of years ago and the sign on the roundabout sometimes gets graffitied, but it is not a bad area," he said.
A bicycle was also stolen from one of the homes targeted.
Lock it up or pay the price
Campaign: Sen-Constables Vanessa Lobegeir and Rod Rankin inspect a car in Cairns as part of a crackdown on unlocked vehicles.
MOTORISTS have been warned to lock up or pay up as police mount a campaign to fine those who leave parked cars unlocked, running or with unsupervised children inside.
Fines for leaving a car unlocked can be as much as $2000 and the move to enforce the penalties comes as daring thieves continue to take advantage of lax security by stealing cars and entering homes through unlocked or unsecured doors and windows.
Innisfail district Insp David Tucker said police would start taking the action as an extension of a wide-scale education program.
"Up until now it has been about education. Now we think the best way to educate people is to show them there are
consequences," he said.
"We are not going to be that bloody minded where we will get someone if they are still near their car.
"But if they leave their car running, or pop into a shop, that is when the penalties will apply."
Insp Tucker said the attitude of thieves was made clear last week when a man left his car running to go into a shop and collect a pizza, only to return and find his car stolen.
Police can impose a fine of up to 20 penalty units, or $2000, for the offences but Insp Tucker said it was unlikely the fines would be that high.
"The officers are clearly going to have some discretion," he said.
Leaving children under 16 in the car without an adult would also be targeted.
Cairns Insp Russell Rhodes said frustrated police were sick of seeing poor security lead to theft.
"It is frustrating for police that so many of our recent break and enters and motor vehicle crimes have been opportunistic," he said.
"There is provision for vehicles that are left unsecured for a fine to be issued to the owner.
"We don't want to resort to that, but security does need to be tightened."
Insp Rhodes said it was important the public was made aware of police powers which could be applied under the circumstances.
Last week, The Cairns Post revealed a spate of opportunistic thefts in the southern suburbs of Cairns where criminals were taking advantage of unlocked doors and windows.
Police have since made several arrests in relation to those offences.
Three charged over alleged child gang attack
BREAKING NEWS: Three boys, aged between 12 and 14, have been charged after an assault on two men in the Cairns CBD last week.
A 14-year-old boy and two 12-year-old boys were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm while in company, after the assault in Sheridan St on Tuesday night.
It is alleged that two men, aged 17 and 18, were set upon by a large group of youths and received facial injuries as a result.
They will be dealt with under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Investigations are continuing in relation to the incident.
Read the Cairns Post tomorrow for full details or got the website: http://www.cairns.com.au/
Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson wants robot plane to track speedsters
At a coronial review of the police pursuit policy this week, Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson revealed his plan to use unmanned surveillance aircraft to identify rogue vehicles.
He said the aircraft would be small enough to hover unseen, only 200m above the road, and could "lock on to cars" that were being driven irresponsibly.
"Technology is moving at a breathtaking pace," Mr Atkinson told the hearing.
He said the aircraft could send images back to police on the ground and were able to be remotely controlled.
"They can operate 24/7 and have recording capabilities. There's a whole range of reasons why that could be the best way to go," he said.
"This is one of the proposals we want to progress."
Unmanned aerial vehicles are already being used by the Australian Defence Force in Afghanistan to provide real-time information about terrain and activities in different areas.
The Australian Federal Police are also believed to be trialling the technology for counter-terrorism purposes.
Mr Atkinson conceded any "big brother" concerns would need to be addressed before such technology could be used by Queensland police.
State Coroner Michael Barnes is expected to deliver his findings from the review of the police pursuit policy in the new year.
Changes to the policy at the start of last year excluded police from chasing vehicles for traffic offences and imposed strict criteria on the continuation of pursuits.
Inspector Tony Fleming told the hearing he would be opposed to any "prescriptive" changes - such as introducing a speed limit on pursuits or making school zones off-limits.
"Each case needs to be assessed on its merits," said Insp Fleming, who wrote the policy. "To say absolutely never, ever has a risk attached to it."
The hearing was told an attitudinal survey of police found more than half (59 per cent) wanted a "less restrictive policy in place".
Insp Fleming was also asked about a breakdown of police pursuits in 2008, which found 24 per cent ended in crashes and the same number were non-compliant with the policy.
"Frankly, they just got it wrong," he said.
Admin says:
More officers on beat key to crime rate
AN increase of front line officers each Friday night is a contributing factor to crime rates falling across Cairns, police bosses say.
The Far Northern region had a 1 per cent reduction in its overall crime rate, according to yesterday’s release of Queensland Police Service’s annual statistics review.
Assaults, sex offences, prostitution, arson, drugs, other property damage and fraud offences have dropped across the board.
Assault offences dropped by 8 per cent in Cairns with a 9 per cent fall in rape and attempted rape offences as well as a 25 per cent reduction in other sexual offences.
The rate of kidnapping and abduction offences dropped by 42 per cent, or 14 offences.
Arson attacks fell by 14 per cent and other property damage offences decreased by 78 to 2402.
Cairns district Supt Brent Carter said police had undertaken a roster change in the past year to double the manpower on Fridays – the busiest night for crime in the city.
The district now has 711 officers, an increase of 14.
Supt Carter said police were also engaging more with the community through Crime Stoppers,NeighbourhoodWatch and other local programs.
Fraud offences fell from 650 in 2007-08 to 617 in 2008-09.
Drug offences decreased by 10 per cent, and just six prostitution offences were detected – a 36 per cent drop – while weapon act offences dropped by 22.
Cairns the rape capital of Queensland
CAIRNS has become one of Queensland's most dangerous cities for women, with a rate of rapes in the region more than double the state average.
Just one sexual assault counsellor and four part-time forensic nurses in Cairns case-manage an average of one new rape victim every week.
Police statistics reveal there were 87 rapes or attempted rapes for every 100,000 people in the region in the 2007/08 financial year, up by 20 per cent on the previous year and more than double the state average of 43 for every 100,000 people.
The average in Brisbane is less than 33 cases for every 100,000 people.
Police say the victims span the spectrum of society, from attacks on the elderly in their own homes to tourists walking back to their hotels late at night.
While attacks on tourists by strangers often receive the most publicity because the victims are more likely to report them to police, the majority of attackers are known to their victims, and include bosses, neighbours, friends and former boyfriends. Authorities predict up to 70 per cent of all rapes go unreported.
With the number of sex attacks escalating each year, counsellors say the focus must shift from crisis management to education and prevention.
Cairns Sexual Assault Service co-ordinator Clare Oppy fears young people are growing up without the skills to negotiate sexual situations.
She says boys need to be taught to respect women and learn skills to recognise the meaning of consent before they reach adulthood, when it is often too late to change entrenched sexist attitudes.
"Girls might say something like 'I've got a boyfriend' or 'You're not my type' but to a boy that could still mean she's consenting because she didn't say or scream out the word no," she said.
"The school curriculum is so full of academic subjects that a topic like healthy sexual relationships and how you navigate those complex situations just aren't on the agenda.
"We need our teachers and parents and creche workers to have an ongoing conversation with kids about what a healthy relationship is, what consent is and how to handle and recognise certain situations."
Regional Crime co-ordinator Inspector John Hartwell, who has worked on rape cases in the far north over 15 years, agrees sex education is vital to combating the high rate of offences in the region.
He works with a team of about 20 detectives in Cairns and described rape cases as the most difficult crime to investigate because of the emotional impact on victims.
"We would strongly support any proactive and preventative strategies," he said.
Have your say: click here
Check out the submissions page
To read submissions and replies from the Government Ministers click the photo -
Vigilantes ready to dish out ‘justice’
I ASK ALL PERSONS THINKING OF VIGILANTE GROUPS - PLEASE DON'T EVEN CONSIDER IT AS YOU WILL END UP IN JAIL.
VIGILANTES have threatened to roam the streets with weapons and take matters into their own hands after recent bashings in Cairns.
The Cairns Post has received text messages calling for people to carry knives and for groups to patrol streets, both in and outside of vehicles.
But police say residents should leave the job of apprehending criminals to the police.
“Whilst we encourage community participation, and we rely heavily on the information from the public, we could never condone any vigilante type activities or approaches to possible suspects through offences that could lead to physical confrontation,” acting Supt Russell Rhodes said.
Neighbourhood Watch’s Thelma Spelta said Mooroobool’s community patrols received a “heart-warming response” from Cairns residents.
“The justice system needs to be firmer,” Ms Spelta said.
Road Rage
Queensland Police & The Community Working Together
Keeping law and order anywhere can be frustrating, tiresome but rewarding however if staffing levels are not adequate then the system starts to fail and officers became disillusioned, tired and start looking at different avenues of employment.
The Police Officers do a great job but its getting to the stage where they need public support so here is your opportunity to support the boys and girls in blue.
On the menu bar above you can place your comments in the testimonial page outlining your thoughts about police and crime in Cairns.
All comments can be forwarded to the Premier if you wish - your name and email will not be displayed.
REMEMBER: THE POLICE HELP YOU NOW WE SHOULD BOND TOGETHER AND GIVE THEM OUR SUPPORT.
Police are friendly
Teach your children that the police are friendly people and that they can approach them if they feel endangered.
Kids love Police, Ambulance and Fire vehicles so please encourage them to look upon the police as their friends.
Visitors: This is for your safety - Please read.
Cairns is normally a very friendly city however like most other cities we do have crime where some visitors have been attacked and handbags, mobile phones and money have been stolen.
HELP KEEP CAIRNS SAFE Please read the following to maintain your personal security Avoid walking or riding alone Walk in well lit & busy areas Avoid dark parks, vacant land & alleys Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings Know where 24 hour police stations, service stations & stores are Carry a torch at night & ride with a bike light Scream if you are in trouble When using Auto Teller Machines ensure you are not being watched Avoid carrying large amounts of money Keep money in your pocket and not in your handbag Keep your purse or handbag under your arm & in front of your body so it cannot be easily snatched Contact the Police immediately if you have be robbed or assaulted
Rules to remember:
(1). Beware of groups of young people as they may cause problems.
(2). In night clubs do not accept drinks from someone you don't know.
(3). Do not accept a lift from someone you don't know.
Want to know more about the following?
Go to website: Click here
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Go to website: Click here
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Go to website: Click here
Crime in Cairns Janury-December 2010
Click here:
Please Read the Media Releases
Click icon to go to page
Are you frustrated?
Are you frustrated with Airlines, Councils, Police anything that may interrupt your lifestyle then heres your opportunity to have your say and get it off your chest.
Read up on items from the USA as we end copping the flack from them.
Jetblue has introduced a Passengers Bill of Rights go here to read it:
http://nowfrustrated.blogspot.com/
Help fight the crime
Crime Watch
Read Crime Watch Click on Policeman:
Have your say now!
Got something to say about your politician click here:
How much more - NAME & SHAME
BE WARNED YOU ARE BEING WATCHED
If are intending to assult or rob someone be warned there are eyes watching you in the CBD.
Cameras are located all around the CBD and are manned 24/7 so if you assult or rob anyone you maybe filmed and you will end up in court and perhaps jail.
The most sensible approach is to behave, cut down on the drink and walk away if someone wants to start a fight.
Police bashings
Have you been sexually assulted - here is the help contact line that you need
No place to hide for unregistered vehicles
Beware the new Police cameras are being tested.
Click photo
How to survive an armed robbery
If you work alone at night then you should watch this: click here
John MacKenzie Talkback Radio
Cairns News
Do you want to be a Queensland Police Officer?
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is not just a job, it is a secure career, where they have fantastic working conditions including yearly pay increases and over 60 specialist areas to choose from. Invest now and never worry about job security again.
For more information: 
Queensland Police Union
Checkout the Police Union website: click policeman
Crime Stoppers - Help the Police to solve crimes
Crimestoppers is a community incentive and gives you, the resident to help Police solve crimes.
For further information go to: qld.crimestoppers.com.au/
Triple 000 Emergency
For all emergency situations call 000.
This number should not be used for non threatening situations.
Save our Dugongs & Turtles
Click on photo to read the full story
Cairns Post
Great Reading Cairns Post
Cairns local paper with local, National and International news. Very informative and award winning site.
Thanks to the Cairns Post for allowing reproduction of news items.
Go to: http://cairns.com.au
Upcoming Events
Newest Members
Recent Videos
-
23 Views - 0 Comments -
51 Views - 0 Comments
-
71 Views - 0 Comments -
149 Views - 0 Comments
Webs Counter
Recent Photos
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
Recent Blog Entries
The McGrath Foundation
Recent Forum Posts
Cairns Blog - Very informative site looking at whats happening around Cairns, also looks at council and government matters.
Countdown to Easter 2010
Queensland News
Residents Against Crimes Founder - 2007
I am dedicated to help prevent crimes in Cairns and the surrounding area. This city has unfortunately gone from bad to worse in regards to crime and we the residents of this great city need to band together and put pressure on our local representatives and let them know that we will not tolerate this behaviour. I will continue to pave the way for better living in peace and enable families and kids to enjoy the life the we enjoyed years ago without the fear of being assulted. This is not about me its about the community working together to make this a better place to live.
REMEMBER: TO BE A GREAT CITY, IT FIRST MUST BE A SAFE CITY.
