Crime Management

Crime Management is a core policing function. Consequently, a significant proportion of Queensland Police Service resources was allocated to this output. Crime Management consists of the initial response to crime by police officers such as the detection of offenders, preliminary investigations, responding to requests for assistance, the commencement of prosecutions and the investigation of major and serious crime. Crime Management also includes crime operations and criminal investigations conducted throughout the State by specialist officers, generally targeting large-scale offences. Links to WholeofGovernment Priority Protecting our children and enhancing community safety. Key Priority Areas: Personal Safety Property Security Significant Criminal Networks

2006-07 Policing Hours Expenditure $428M

Percentage of time directed toward Crime Management 2006-07 2005-06 33% 35%

Strategies
Develop capacity and procedures to provide a timely and appropriate response to incidents. Work with the community to detect, investigate and solve crime. Reduce the incidence of crime through contemporary policing strategies including targeting repeat offenders. Analyse and use the opportunities, causes and outcomes of crime to assist crime prevention. Use information systems and intelligence to prevent and respond to crime effectively. Promote the effective use of technology and evidence gathering techniques in criminal investigations. Maximise resources by utilising a cooperative and multidisciplinary approach to crime management. Assist victims and keep them and other stakeholders informed. Work with other law enforcement agencies to target major criminal enterprises by focusing on major crime and significant criminal networks.

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Key Priority Area Personal Safety

Protecting our Children from Harm Task Force Argos has responsibility for the investigation of organised paedophilia, institutionalised abuse and child exploitation in Queensland. This task force is recognised as a national leader in the investigation of online child exploitation and for developing and implementing proactive policing strategies and communitybased education initiatives. Such initiatives, available on the Queensland Police Service website, include: Whos Chatting to your Kids? internet safety program. The second instalment was launched nationally in 2006. This revised version included updated information related to mobile phone-based crimes and associated offender methodologies. A third instalment of the program is planned to be released in mid 2007. This will provide advice related to the potential threats to children associated with instant messaging programs, web cams and mobile telephones Surf Safely campaign. This is an educational resource package for Child Protection and Investigation Unit officers, school-based police officers and teachers to complement the protective behaviours curriculum in government, catholic and independent schools in Queensland.

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The Child Protection Register in Queensland is managed by the Child Protection Offender Registry and provides both intelligence and operational support to regional police in the compliance and monitoring of reportable offenders and persons of interest. The registry has established extensive networks both within Queensland and with Australian and international law enforcement jurisdictions to facilitate the timely exchange of information, access to specialist investigative resources and efficient operation of the register. In addition, effective links have been established with the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Crime Commission, the Australian Customs Service and Interpol. The Child Safety Coordination Unit and the Child and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit formed partnerships with key government, industry and academic organisations to develop a range of strategic and operational policing, child protection and juvenile justice reforms and initiatives. These included: a project with the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian related to the detection, management and prosecution of Blue Card related offences a two-year trial appointment of a Police Investigation Management Officer to support and enhance existing Blue Card compliance activities an information sharing agreement with the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian to conduct research into the deaths of young Queenslanders due to fatal assault and neglect the creation of the Historical Team, staffed by experienced investigators to examine historical child abuse matters that present additional challenges in regard to evidence gathering. The Cold Case Team within the Child Safety and Sexual Crimes Group trialled the Unreported Sexual Assault project in partnership with the Brisbane Sexual Assault Service, Royal Womens Hospital. The project seeks to give victims of sexual assault reporting options other than making a formal complaint to police. Intelligence information provided to police by way of these other reporting options can be used in solving reported sex crimes. Due to the success of the trial, the project will be implemented statewide in 2007. During the reporting period, the Child Safety and Sexual Crimes Group completed an audit of all unsolved rape matters from 1994 to 2006. New information together with technological and forensic advancements resulted in the commencement of 108 investigations. Crime Stoppers Crime Stoppers implemented a new interactive website that allows investigators to rapidly publish photographs and video footage on the website for public viewing. The site also contains information related to unsolved crimes and offers an effective means by which members of the public can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers. The website is available at www.qld.crimestoppers.com.au Students Help to Fight Crime The Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge Queensland was launched in early 2007. The program is directed towards helping school students understand crime and develop solutions to reduce and prevent crime within their communities. The 2007 program attracted over 700 students from 176 school groups throughout Queensland. The focus of the 2007 Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge was the crime of theft which was considered by the students from the perspective of the victim, the community and the offender. Working together in groups, students interacted with their local police and community groups to build their understanding of Crime Stoppers and develop practical, workable solutions to identified problems. The project encouraged students to use resources from within their own communities to address theft in their area. One innovative entry from a school community in Western Queensland examined and documented the impact of theft and arson at a local saw mill. The mill had provided employment for many community members, and accordingly, the social and economic consequences of the crimes were significant. In addition, several entries involved the development of board games with a crime prevention theme as well as reports and plays focusing on the issue of theft prevention. Teachers were encouraged to use material developed specifically for Crime Stoppers Youth Challenge Queensland within their teaching curriculum. Program winners will be announced in late 2007.

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Key Priority Area Property Security

Fraud and Corporate Crime A new initiative introduced by the Fraud and Corporate Crime Group resulted in the appointment of a dedicated fraud liaison officer to each police region. These officers provide expert advice and assistance in the investigation of fraud and assist investigators to manage major fraud, computer crime and identity offences. In partnership with eBay Incorporated, the Computer Crime Investigation Unit commenced a 12 month pilot project to manage the reporting of online auction fraud. This new process allows members of the public to prepare their own statements and, following an online dispute resolution process, report directly to the police jurisdiction where the offender lives. It is anticipated that the online dispute resolution mechanism will satisfy 70 per cent of complaints without police intervention thereby saving thousands of hours of investigations. A fraud prevention partnership project with a major cash remittance agency, Western Union, was piloted in Queensland during 2006-07. Through this project, a fraud alert warning and hotline number into the Fraud Prevention Unit was included on Western Union forms used for the international transfer of funds. During the pilot project, a 30 per cent reduction in suspicious transactions was recorded. Four additional computer analysts were appointed to the Forensic Computer Examination Unit to enhance the units capacity to investigate child pornography and fraud-related offences. In addition, a major upgrade of equipment continued and sophisticated viewing stations have been developed which enable investigators to peruse computer hard drives to identify files of interest. Work continues on the establishment of a remote access system that will allow for statewide viewing of imaged computers. The Arson Investigation Unit implemented a project directed at the identification, investigation and prosecution of recidivist arson offenders statewide. This initiative, with its emphasis on a proactive intelligence gathering and investigative approach, is unique within Australia. In the reporting period three serious recidivist arson offenders were detected and charged with numerous arson-related offences.

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Key Priority Area Significant Criminal Networks

In December 2006, the Organised Crime Investigation Unit, in partnership with New South Wales Police and Queensland Transport, conducted an operation targeting organised crime groups. These groups were using heavy vehicle transport to facilitate criminal activities including the transportation of illicit drugs and stolen property. Over 380 heavy vehicles and 220 motor vehicles were intercepted which resulted in the recovery of a stolen prime mover valued at $500,000 and the detection of numerous drug and driving-related offences. Following an increase in reports of suspected product contamination, the Extortion and Product Contamination Response Plan was produced to enhance the management and investigation of extortion and product contamination offences. This plan is focused on crisis management, evidence gathering, investigation and media strategies and outlines first response procedures, investigation responsibilities and statutory notification requirements. The plan is also accompanied by an electronic booklet entitled Extortion and Product Contamination Advice to Potential Victims. This booklet provides assistance to organisations on how to best handle situations of suspected or intentional product contamination or extortion demand. Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Task Force In 2006-07 the Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang (OMCG) Task Force Hydra was established to specifically target the activities of outlaw motorcycle gangs. The Task Force is responsible for coordinating the statewide management of intelligence and investigation of incidents involving OMCG members. The task force has a strategic and tactical capability and works collaboratively with external law enforcement agencies. Major Drug Initiatives The State Drug Investigation Unit investigates major drug-related offences and significant criminal networks involved in the trafficking, production and distribution of dangerous drugs. The unit also provides specialist investigative assistance to police officers throughout Queensland.

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In April 2007, the Clandestine Laboratory Investigation Course was conducted with specialist investigators from Australia and New Zealand. Queensland provides one of the most contemporary and up-to-date clandestine laboratory courses within Australia and the Pacific Region. The course received wide media coverage which highlighted the dangers of clandestine laboratories and sought community support in the reporting of suspicious activity. Several training publications were developed for use by first response and investigative police officers including Ecstasy and Other Related Drugs, Clandestine Laboratory Safety Awareness, and Managing Psychostimulant Users. The Corrective Services Investigation Unit, in partnership with the Department of Corrective Services, introduced a drug strategy to reduce the incidence of illicit substances being taken into Queensland Correctional Centres. During 2006-07, 41 persons were charged with 86 offences as a result of this strategy. A joint initiative between The Pharmacy Guild Queensland and the Police Service that allows access to a web-based application to monitor the purchases of pseudoephedrine-based products was further embraced by Queensland pharmacies, with over 90 per cent of all pharmacies now using this technology. The Queensland trial was a success as it resulted in the detection of seven clandestine laboratories and in excess of 267 criminal charges being laid which included serious offences of trafficking, supply, and production of dangerous drugs. Following the success of the trial, additional federal funding was committed to implement the system nationally during 2007. The 10th National Chemical Diversion Congress was held in October 2006 on the Gold Coast, with the theme being Synthetic Drugs in the Asia Pacific Rim. Over 260 Australian and international delegates attended the forum representing law enforcement, the judiciary and prosecutors, forensic services, academia and industry. As a result of this event, the congress formulated several resolutions which are currently being considered by both the Queensland and Federal governments. The Property Crime Investigation Unit assisted the regions in their investigations into property and propertyrelated crime, targeting major and organised property offenders across the State. In November 2006, an operation was conducted to investigate the theft of non-ferrous metals in Queensland, interstate and abroad. Partnerships were formed with key industry groups to assist in the prevention of theft from high-risk areas and to promote the reporting of this activity. This program has been successful with several arrests and the recovery of stolen metal throughout the State. Intelligence Gathering The State Intelligence Group (SIG) provides relevant, timely and accurate intelligence on the criminal environment to identify issues which may impact on the Queensland community. During the reporting period, SIG developed and implemented the Titan Threat Assessment Matrix. The matrix provides the opportunity to identify, monitor and target individuals and significant organised networks of a criminal nature operating in Queensland.

Titan provides assistance in determining the level of Police Service resources most effectively deployed. The initiative has proven to be effective and provides investigators with a tool to monitor and assess emerging criminal networks that pose a significant threat to the Queensland community.
The State Security Operations Group is responsible for the discharge of operational intelligence (Security Intelligence) and protective security (Dignitary Protection) in response to individuals and groups who may commit acts of politically motivated terror. The group played a significant security planning role for the three Asia Pacific Economic Conferences (APEC) to be held in Queensland during 2007. Specifically, the group assumed responsibility for coordinating and delivering the security intelligence and dignitary protection operations for the APEC events, working in collaboration with other law enforcement and Commonwealth agencies. These were the most significant operations of this nature held in Queensland since the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2002.

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Regional Activities
Public Safety Program Far Northern Region The Far Northern Region conducted an operation in the Cairns District to enhance public safety within the Cairns Central Business District. The operation was conducted in partnership with the Cairns City Council and Liquor Licensing Queensland resulting in over 500 offenders being charged with a range of good order, liquor, drink driving, drug and other offences. Rural Crime Prevention Project Northern Region In response to the mass poisoning of vegetable crops in the Bowen Division, Northern Region police instigated a project to improve communication between police and rural communities. With support from the Department of Primary Industries and Queensland Health, workshops were held and brochures produced which provided information on reporting procedures and security measures for the farming community. Break and Enter Prevention Project Central Region The Central Region introduced a program in Rockhampton District to prevent repeat victimisation of break and enter offences. Security advice was mailed to each victim with an offer of a security audit performed by a member of the Volunteers in Policing program. Personal contact was then made with crime victims to determine whether further assistance was required. Stock and Rural Crime Initiative Southern Region In March 2007, the South Eastern Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad was created to provide a coordinated approach to the investigation of major stock and rural crime in the south-east corner of Queensland. Based in the Southern Region, the squad is staffed by 11 investigators and an intelligence officer. Rural Crime Conference Central Region In May 2007, the Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad (SARCIS) hosted a conference in Longreach aimed at enhancing preventative and investigative responses to rural crime. The conference, which was attended by delegates from throughout Australia, focused on current information related to bio-terrorism and bio security. This forum also provided an excellent opportunity for specialist investigators to exchange information, consider emerging issues, examine the continued effectiveness of existing policing practices and promote innovations in investigative practices. The conference resolved to promote the seriousness of rural crime and its implications for Queenslands community.

Future Initiatives 2007-08

The State Drug Investigation Unit is developing a training package titled Beneath the Ice to educate and inform first response police and investigators of the effects of crystal methylamphetamine (ice) and related harms. Task Force Argos is representing the interests of state and territory jurisdictions in developing an Australian National Victim Images Library (ANVIL) business case with the Australian Federal Police. This national database will assist in the identification of children subjected to sexual abuse, whilst reducing investigator exposure to child exploitation material, and also improving opportunities for victim identification. System Preview and Data Acquisition (SPADA) is an in-field computer examination software program that provides investigators with the means to view an offenders computer files at the scene and question the offender about them at the time. A program developed to train investigators in the use of SPADA will be offered to police statewide, thereby providing a network of investigators capable of conducting in-field examinations. A joint Crime and Misconduct Commission and Queensland Police Service assessment of crime markets is planned to commence during the latter half of 2007. This joint collaboration will provide a greater insight into the serious and organised crime markets within Queensland and assist in future policy development and planning. State Crime Operations Command will integrate a Behavioural Analysis Unit into the Police Service. The unit will be responsible for the provision of expert behavioural analytical support to crime investigations within the Police Service.

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To provide support for criminal investigations, the unit will build on existing behavioural analysis functions within the Service, such as analysis of the scenes of violent crime, investigative planning, interview planning, Scientific Content Analysis (SCAN), equivocal death analysis and unknown offender profiling. It is proposed that a forensic psychologist will be attached to the Behavioural Analysis Unit. The Homicide Group plans to undertake an exploratory research project which examines domestic violencerelated homicides. The project will be directed towards: the identification of themes and patterns related to risk factors improved understanding of violence escalation improved police intervention and case management the examination of the effectiveness of domestic and family violence protection orders. The Police Service will participate in the development of new legislation to allow courts to impose prohibition orders on paedophiles and enhance the protection of young Queenslanders.

Senior Constable Letitia Casey, Physical Evidence Unit, Scientific Section Brisbane. With a background in science, Letitia has worked with the Queensland Police Service for almost 11 years. For her, the best aspect of the work she does is the possibility of providing a vital piece of evidence that may lead to solving a crime. I was interested in forensic science and crime scene examination and wanted a hands on rather than a laboratory based job. On the training she has done.

to complete a Masters of Science in Forensic Science and also undertake internal training in nine different areas of expertise.
What does your job involve?

The examination of major crime scenes and collection and examination of physical evidence. This includes examining fire scenes, rape scenes, murders, assaults, certification of Cannabis sativa and the comparison of shoe/tyre impressions.
Any tips for managing the work-life balance? Separate work from home life as much as possible. Have friends and interests outside of work.

We are required to have a Bachelor of Science degree before being accepted into Scientific Section. Then as part of our job we are required

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