The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has almost doubled its explosive ordnance response capability, 12 months since new state-of-the-art robotic technology was introduced in July last year.
The $2.6 million dollar investment secured five new Remote Positioning Vehicles-Medium (RPV-M), known as bomb robots, to improve the safety of frontline officers responding to hazardous or potentially dangerous incidents.
The robots allow the operator to remotely approach, investigate and safely render any real or suspected improvised explosives devices (IEDs), without putting the bomb technician in harm's way.
The Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT) and the Regional Bomb Response Unit have almost doubled their officer hours from 676 to 1176 in the past year, responding to call outs all over the state as part of the improved safety response.
EORT Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Andy Rowan said the teams were being more regularly requested to attend tasks, due to the enhanced safety and efficiency they could provide on scene.
"This new technology is a huge boost for community safety because we are able to zoom in and focus on the suspect object while keeping the public and QPS officers at a safe distance,'' Senior Sergeant Rowan said.
"This is the most significant investment in the history of EORT robotic technology, and it has enabled the EORT units to participate in an increased amount of frontline and critical incidents as part of QPS's priority to keep Queensland safe,'' Senior Sergeant Rowan said.
Three of the five robots have been deployed to regional areas, including Far North, Northern and Central Queensland Districts, while the other two are based in Brisbane.
Bomb technician Sergeant Gareth Blake said the robots were "game-changers'' for the police frontline response.
"You can do so much more with this new robotic technology, it's like an extension of your own arm. From a distance you can turn things such as dials and lids and open things."
Regional EORT teams are made up of general duty police officers and are on call as EORT officers, when required.
To become a qualified bomb technician, QPS officers must first pass a pre-selection process, followed by an intensive eight-week training program and ongoing annual refresher training.
Anyone interested in exploring a career with the QPS is encouraged to attend the annual QPS Open Days in Brisbane and Townsville, which showcase the diverse career paths within the Service:
- Brisbane Open Day: Saturday 26 July
- Townsville Open Day: Saturday 2 August
For more information and register for free tickets visit: https://qrco.de/QPSopenday25
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
