Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski and Member for Stretton, Mr Duncan Pegg MP representing the Minister for Police Mark Ryan launched the new Queensland Police Service (QPS) Mobile Forensic Facility (MFF) and Forensic Response Motorcycles at Broadwater Parklands in Southport today.
The MFF will provide an innovative multi-purpose facility for the forensic management of counter-terrorism and major crime investigations.
Based at Coomera Police Station, the MFF is a medium rigid truck, designed and developed in consultation with frontline officers and forensic first responders. The facility will enable forensic officers to coordinate a mobile response, aid in the efficient and timely management of exhibits and enhance the integrity of evidence. The MFF features a 16 panel solar system which provides enough power and air-conditioning to function for a period of time without sunlight or charging.
Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said the MFF delivers "a state of the art mobile forensic capability that provides an enhanced operational response to major incidents".
"The MFF will facilitate a more efficient first response capability for the QPS in emergency situations. It’s important that we are prepared for all types of events and situations," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
The QPS objective is to deliver a further three Mobile Forensic Facilities to ensure the whole of the State of Queensland is serviced with the best mobile forensic capabilities available. Specifically, Cairns, Rockhampton and Brisbane will be the target locations for future vehicles.
The MFF was built by the QPS Allied Trades team at Alderley Depot with contributions from several external specialised contractors. The total cost, including purchase and fit out of the MFF was approximately $210,000 and was jointly funded by the QPS and PSBA.
The Forensic Response Motorcycles have been commissioned to provide an agile forensic response capability for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games due to anticipated traffic conditions. They can also be used in any condition that would restrict or delay the response of a standard forensic vehicle.
The Forensic Response Motorcycles are BMW 800 GS models which are equipped with large panniers to carry appropriate forensic equipment for an initial forensic response.
Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said the forensic capability would enable a rapid forensic response to enable forensic officers to record, protect and secure crucial forensic evidence and intelligence that can be fed back to investigators.
"The Forensic Response Motorcycles are the first of their type anywhere in Australia and will provide an unparalleled agile ability for forensic officers to respond to any forensic incident at any location during the 2018 Commonwealth Games," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.
The Forensic Response Motorcycles will be deployed for use within the South Eastern Police Region. Once a review is completed, we will evaluate the potential for a roll out across the state in high volume traffic areas.
Mr Pegg said the forensic capability would enable a rapid forensic response to enable forensic officers to record, protect and secure crucial forensic evidence and intelligence that can be fed back to investigators.
"As the host State for the Games, it’s our role to keep the athletes, tourists, residents and staff in the area safe and secure to ensure everyone has the best time possible," Mr Pegg said.
"These latest additions to QPS resources available in the South Eastern Region where the Games are being held will help ensure that the QPS are in a position to act as fast as possible should they be needed.
"I have no doubt that the Mobile Forensic Facility and Forensic Response Motorcycles will be valuable assets to the Service and the State for the Games as well as general policing moving forward."
