The Queensland Police Service will not tolerate any violence in the weeks leading up to the Christmas period, revellers have been warned today.
Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said police officers would be out in force over the weekend as the annual Operation Unite blitz on alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.
“The assault of any person is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated by police,” Mr Dempsey said.
“Over the coming weekend police across the state will be out in force specifically targeting alcohol related violence and crime during Operation Unite.
“People need to take responsibility for their own actions to help ensure their night does not end in tragedy.”
Mr Dempsey said the Newman Government had already taken steps to revitalise frontline services to help ensure all Queenslanders remain safe.
“After years of neglect from the former Labor Government, the Queensland Police Service is undergoing its biggest recruitment drive in the past 20 years,” he said.
“The Newman Government has already delivered more than 500 additional police officers across the state as a part of our commitment to providing an additional 1,100 police officers over four years.”
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said police will be out in high numbers to target the behaviour and offences that put the community at risk.
“We are letting those who drink to excess in public that violent behaviour is not acceptable,” Commissioner Stewart said.
“We are committed to working with the community, industry and government partners to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of binge drinking and ensuring we all work together to prevent and respond to these issues.”
Operation Unite will involve the use of uniformed and plain clothes officers, mounted unit officers, dog squad and police patrols.
Last year, 441 people were arrested across the state with 573 charges, including assaults, police assault, possessing dangerous drugs and burglary.
The operation will be conducted simultaneously across Australia and New Zealand between 6pm Friday, 13 December and 6am Saturday, 14 December and again from 6pm, 14 December concluding at 6am Sunday, 15 December.
