Description

This is a report of the Commission’s findings and recommendations into Queensland Police Service (QPS) responses to domestic and family violence. It is intended to be read alongside
Behind the call for change (2022), a compilation of case studies, perspectives and experiences shared with the Commission by victim survivors, police and other persons.

In completing the inquiry the Commission found ample evidence that there are cultural issues within the Queensland Police Service which inhibit the policing of domestic and family violence. There is evidence that there is a lack of understanding of the dynamics of, and power imbalance within, domestically violent relationships. There is evidence that there is significant under-resourcing which leads to reactive and at times short-lived reform and, in the frontline, confusion over expectations of performance.

Through the information and views shared with the Commission, victim-survivors, community organisations and police officers all made a call for change and expressed a hope for improvement.

Key recommendations:

• Within six months, the Queensland Police Service should develop and implement a mechanism for measuring domestic and family violence demand and the effectiveness of police responses to domestic and family violence.
• Within 12 months, the Queensland Police Service should identify, using the mechanism for measuring domestic and family violence demand, the further additional funding and Full Time Equivalent positions needed to meet that demand.
• Within 18 months, the Queensland Government should allocate the funding and Full Time Equivalent positions identified by the Queensland Police Service as being required to meet the demand of responding to domestic and family violence.