Townsville police will be supported by a visiting mounted unit this weekend, enhancing high visibility patrols across public areas as part of Operation Kamaria.
The unit, made up of Senior Constable Tamille McKenzie, Senior Constable Simon Shilton and Patrol Horses Remington and Karma, will support ongoing patrols in the Townsville Safe Night District, Queensland Country Bank Stadium precinct, The Strand and CBD.
Townsville Assistant District Officer Superintendent Jason Brosnan said the deployment comes at a time when large crowds were expected to move through the city for the North Queensland Cowboys v Melbourne Storm game at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday.
"Operation Kamaria provides a coordinated focus on patrolling our public spaces to deter and address anti-social behaviour and alcohol fuelled violence," A/Superintendent Brosnan said.
"This weekend we expect to see a significant increase in people visiting public spaces across the city, including our CBD, The Strand and stadium precinct, not just on game night but across the entire weekend.
"The mounted unit brings an additional capability to support our officers, with their elevated position allowing greater visibility across large crowds and busy environments.
Operation Kamaria was established in 2022 and brings together officers from across the district to conduct high visibility foot patrols, engage with local businesses and conduct targeted enforcement activity.
Senior Constable Tamille McKenzie from the Mounted Police Unit said their capability would make a unique and valuable addition to the strong police presence already working to keep the community safe.
"Our horses are trained to operate in a wide variety of environments, from suburban patrols and community events through to busy Safe Night Precincts," she said.
"Our mounted unit is particularly well suited to a place like Townsville, where you have a mix of open public spaces, waterfront areas and busy event precincts all within proximity where we can cover ground efficiently and be highly visible.
"We expect there to be a strong community engagement aspect with our visit this weekend as well, as people are naturally drawn to the horses, which helps us connect with the community while still maintaining a clear operational role."
Operation Kamaria will continue in coming weeks as police continue proactive patrols and engagement activities in the CBD, alongside proactive policing initiatives under Operation Yankee Forge.
Operation Yankee Forge is a six-month, district-led, statewide initiative targeting high-harm and high-volume offences, including unlawful use of motor vehicles, unlawful entry and robbery.
The operation will enhance policing activities across Queensland to reduce victim numbers and strengthen community safety.
Police regions, supported by specialist squads, will undertake coordinated disruption activities across the state. Police will target high-harm offenders and work closely with partner agencies to ensure offenders are held accountable. With a strong focus on crime prevention, police will be highly visible as they prevent, disrupt and investigate offending, with particular emphasis on unlawful use, robbery and unlawful entry.
The operation will be locally led and centrally coordinated, leveraging the knowledge and experience of officers who know their communities best.
