Faster QPS response times expected from pilot program

Queenslanders will see faster Queensland Police Service (QPS) response times to non-critical calls for service following the roll out of a mobile capability pilot program.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Bruce McNab joined Police Minister Bill Byrne today to launch QLiTE QTasks.

QTasks will transform how the QPS delivers services by allowing frontline officers to manage and complete non-urgent calls for service from the community via their mobile devices.

Acting Assistant Commissioner McNab said the new feature provided frontline officers with a list of prioritised calls for service, based on their location and operational capability.

Previously, this has been done through police radio or at a police station.

“The use of this app will reduce congestion on police radio by up to 80 per cent, freeing up the voice network for critical communications,” Acting Assistant Commissioner McNab said.

“QTasks will be initially rolled out as a pilot program in the Capricornia District, with further implementation planned at communication centres across the state in the coming year.

“This is an exciting development for both the QPS and community and marks another step towards making sure our police are equipped with the most innovative technology available to make Queenslanders lives’ safer.

“Prior to the QPS introducing mobility to frontline officers in the form of mobile devices, officers would rely on police radio to conduct checks in the field. They would then record these details in their notebooks and later return to a station to enter information into our records management system

“In 2013, we embarked on the journey to truly mobilise the Queensland Police Service frontline officers.

“Now three years on, I am proud to say that our QLiTE device fleet exceeds 5000 devices, with access to a specialised suite of integrated law enforcement apps, custom-built for the Queensland Police Service.

“The benefits of QTasks include faster response times to non-critical calls for service and a more mobile and visible police presence in the community.

QTasks also enables frontline officers, supervisors and Police Communication QCAD Centres to see where incidents are occurring and the location of police resources on a map.

“This functionality will significantly improve situational awareness, officer safety and the QPS’ ability to appropriately respond to all calls for service.”