QLD Police Confirm 84 Officers Have Been Accused Of Domestic Violence In The Last Five Years

The Queensland Police Service has confirmed that 84 serving officers have been accused of domestic violence in the last five years.

Worse, the organisation that is supposed to protect people did not directly address questions about why officers were not fired when they were found to have committed these offences. In a statement to The Guardian, the QPS said they “manage or support” those known to be involved in domestic and family violence incidents.

They did not directly respond to questions about what measures were in place to make sure those who are accused of DV are not dealing directly with victims.

Would help explain their reluctance to prosecute.

— Peter Williams (@PeterWi05879624) March 2, 2020

QPS said “no domestic and family violence is acceptable,” but also argued that the number of police officers under a domestic violence order was lower than the general public.

“The QPS has over 12,200 police officers and recruits and over the past five years, 84 officers were recorded as respondents on domestic violence orders,” the police statement said.

“This equates to 0.68% of police officers and recruits being recorded as a respondent on domestic violence orders. Compared to the general population, police officers are 85% less likely to be recorded as a respondent on a domestic violence order.”

Under Queensland’s police discipline process — where police investigate their own officers — it is notoriously difficult to sack people.

The police statement also said the “strong discipline and oversight regime” means police officers are also 95% less likely to breach a DVO compared to the general population.

A comforting thought to those who have taken out those DVO’s, I’m sure.

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If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au.