POLICE from an elite squad designed to tackle bikies and serious crime have been redeployed to patrol Queenslanders borders.
Thirty-six officers from the Gold Coast’s Rapid Action Patrol group, about a third of the squad, are being used to man the controversial checkpoints.
The crack mobile unit was born in the wake of the infamous Broadbeach bikie brawl to tackle clubs and played a key role in banishing bikies from the Glitter Strip.
Queensland Police said the RAP officers’ skill set made them suitable for border control, but Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has slammed the decision.
“The Rapid Action Patrol Group should be focused on drug offenders, domestic violence offenders and bikie gangs, not babysitting the border,” she said.
“Queenslanders have been shocked by tragic cases of domestic violence this year and to think these specialist police may not be available due to border duty is completely unacceptable.”
In response, Police Minister Mark Ryan said more than 1000 police were based on the
Gold Coast and extra resources had been introduced for the COVID-19 crisis.
“The allocation of police personnel is a matter for the Police Commissioner. I trust her to make decisions that are in the best interests of the community,” he said.
Shadow police minister and former Detective Sergeant Dan Purdie said RAP “resources should be preventing and detecting crime”.
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Source: The Courier-Mail