Arabic version: شرطة كوينزلاند تتلقى إشعارات سلامة بشأن مرافق الاحتجاز

According to ABC News, Queensland’s workplace safety watchdog has issued a number of regulatory notices to the Queensland Police Service after conducting site visits at watch houses across the state. Workplace Health and Safety said no fines were issued and that it would continue monitoring compliance.

The compliance program followed a formal complaint lodged by the Queensland Police Union in March. The union cited severe overcrowding and unsafe staffing levels, and reported concerns including extended detention periods, hygiene failures, unreliable CCTV, poor ventilation, mould and insufficient personal protective equipment.

Inspections were conducted at Brisbane and regional watch houses, including Caloundra, Caboolture, Ipswich, Cleveland, Southport and Beenleigh, according to the ABC. Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior said several notices for the Brisbane watch house concerned chemical storage and building maintenance deficiencies. He said Caloundra and Caboolture each received five improvement notices, with one Caboolture notice relating to the absence of a sexual harassment prevention plan.

Improvement notices are written directions requiring the QPS to address workplace health and safety problems rather than financial penalties. A QPS spokesperson said the service remained focused on custody operations, community safety, and the training, safety and wellbeing of members working in watch houses. The service said it was progressing all 34 recommendations from the QPS Watchhouse Review, with a focus on sustainable improvements across all watch houses.