The Queensland Police Service (QPS) will step up enforcement measures for people disregarding directions and flouting isolation laws as communities work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Community members can expect to see an increase in police ensuring compliance of public health directions and taking enforcement action against those ignoring the laws.
Officers have the power to issue on the spot fines for anyone who does not comply with the directions.
Public health directions have been put in place to keep everyone in our community safe, especially our most vulnerable.
While police have been taking a considered and educational approach in undertaking compliance checks over several weeks, officers will be stepping up enforcement action for those blatantly disregarding directions.
People who are deliberately flouting self-isolation directions, holding unlawful mass gatherings or conducting non-essential business not in compliance with directions may face on the spot fines or stronger penalties.
We are urging everyone to follow
Category: Latest Queensland Police Service News
Penalty infringement notices for breaches of Chief Health Officer’s directives
Queensland police now have the option to issue on the spot fines for breaches of Chief Health Officer (CHO) directions to support community efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
An integral part of the Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) response is to ensure compliance with directions particularly around self-isolation, mass gathering, borders, non-essential business activity and now private residence gatherings.
From yesterday, officers now have the option of issuing infringement notices in appropriate circumstances.
Under the direction, homeowners or persons in control of a residence must not allow more than ten people to be present at the residence at any one time and to take reasonable steps to encourage occupants of and visitors to the residence to practise social distancing as much as possible.
This does not apply if more than ten people are present who ordinarily live at the residence.
During the implementation of this new compliance option officers will
Border restrictions
The community should avoid all non-essential cross-border travel to Queensland from tonight.
State Disaster Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the restrictions would apply to all travel to Queensland by air, sea, rail or road.
“Interim arrangements will be in place to enforce border restrictions from 12.01am tomorrow,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
“Anyone trying to enter Queensland particularly by road on the Gold Coast can expect significant delays from tonight.
“We will aim to prioritise essential food, supplies and services. The community can help us by not trying to cross the border unless their travel is absolutely essential.
“We understand that people will be inconvenienced but these restrictions are being implemented to slow the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We are in the process of developing an online application and exemption system including a help line, but it will not be ready for tonight. We will have work arounds in place tonight but that could contribute
Social distancing
The community is being reminded to adhere to social distancing principles and new restrictions in relation to indoor venues.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is providing ongoing support to Queensland Health as part of a co-ordinated whole of government response to the COVID-19 situation.
A multi-agency taskforce operating under Task Force Sierra Linnet will ensure compliance with the new Chief Health Officer directions now in place for all pubs, registered and licensed clubs, gyms, indoor sporting venues, casinos and night clubs.
These measures are aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring overall public health and safety.
Police have certain powers under the Public Health Act 2005 (Qld) to ensure compliance with the intent of the legislation, and penalty provisions apply.
For more information regarding new regulations and health advice visit www.health.qld.gov.au.
Random breath tests continue following the suspension of static breath testing sites
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) continues to conduct random and targeted breath tests across the State, anywhere at any time.
The recent decision to suspend static (multi-vehicle) roadside breath and drug testing means an increase in random and targeting testing to ensure the safety of all users of Queensland road networks.
Road safety continues to be a priority with motorists urged not to drink drive and always have a ‘Plan B’.
Static testing sites have been suspended to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 to other community members and frontline police.
Bus driver assault, Brisbane City
Police investigating the assault of a bus driver in Brisbane City on Wednesday March 11 have released images of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
Around 2pm at bus stop 23 on Adelaide Street, a male passenger began an argument with the bus driver, which escalated.
The driver asked the man to exit the bus and as he was getting off, assaulted the male driver, before fleeing the scene.
The man is described as having a dark complexion, is around 50-years-old, with a proportionate build, light brown hair and a sleeve tattoo on his right arm.
He was wearing a black and white horizontal stripped shirt, blue shorts, a surgical mask and carrying a cooler bag.
Anyone with information about the man is urged to contact police.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.You can report information
Man charged over property offences, Hamilton
Police have charged a man in relation to multiple break ins and other property offences following his arrest yesterday.
His arrest followed reports from members of the public to police in relation to a man allegedly shouting and causing a general disturbance on Racecourse Road Hamilton yesterday afternoon (March 18).
Officers from Operation Hendra Reduce were quick to identify the man as a person of interest for a number of property offences in the area.
A 41-year-old Newmarket man has been charged with eleven offences including break and enter and possession of stolen property.
He will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court later today.
There are simple measures you can take to protect your home and reduce the opportunity for sneak or opportunistic offences.
Excellent information is available at: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.You can report information about crime anonymously to
Arson charge, Mango Hill
Police have charged a man following a house fire at Mango Hill yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to Freshwater Creek Drive just after 4pm where they found a two storey house well alight.
Two people who were inside the residence at the time of the blaze escaped without injury.
The fire was extinguished however caused extensive damage to the home.
Police attended the scene and arrested a man a short time later at a location nearby.
A 31-year-old Kallangur man has been charged with arson and is due to appear in Pine River Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Investigations are continuing.
Thanks for joining the latest Coffee with a Cop in Taigum
Police had a great time at today’s Coffee with a Cop in Taigum.
Thanks to everyone who came along to the Taigum Shopping Centre to meet us and talk about how police can continue to support your community.
This event allows members of the public to approach police and ask any questions or voice any concerns that they have within the local community.
We had a great time meeting you all at today’s Coffee with a Cop
Police spoke to the community about vehicle safety, home security as well as common scams.
At today’s event, a display was organised inside the shopping centre showcasing the wonderful work of Uniforms4kids which is an initiative where volunteers make amazing clothes from recycled police outfits and give them to people in need.
Our officers love meeting members of the community for a coffee and a chat
We were also lucky enough to have volunteers from Crime Stoppers attend and hand
Update 3: Homicide, Redcliffe
Detectives investigating the murder of a 15-year-old boy in Redcliffe on March 13 have released CCTV vision of a man they believe may be able to assist with enquires.
Two teenage boys have been charged with one count each of murder and attempted armed robbery last night.
It will be alleged around 8:10pm three males confronted a group of four teenagers in a car park on Anzac Avenue.
An altercation occurred during which a 15-year-old boy from Clontarf was stabbed in the chest.
He was transported to Redcliffe Hospital where he later died.
Anyone who may recognise the man depicted in the CCTV or has any information regarding the matter is urged to contact police.
Download Video
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity