Statement from Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall on the Queensland Police Service’s review of watch houses

This morning the Queensland Police Service announced they would conduct a broad-ranging review into watch houses, including an examination of whether facilities are fit for purpose and assessing the training, skills and conduct of watch house staff.

It is critical that the use of police watch houses is reviewed. The Commission has long been opposed to the use of watch houses for the detention of children and has said so repeatedly.

The priority of this review should be to prevent children being detained in watch houses in the first place, and to establish ways of working that will respect the rights of children, particularly those with complex needs, who interact with QPS.

The review should also include an assessment of proactive policing and the use of discretion by police officers over whether to arrest and detain children where not strictly necessary. This is critically important given detention centres are full and there is a high likelihood that children will be sent to watch houses for prolonged periods, exacerbating any problems in what is an already risky environment.

I’m pleased the review’s announcement this morning included a commitment to rolling out the use of body-worn cameras by watch house staff, and the publication of real time data on the number and length of watch house detentions statewide – another issue the Commission has long advocated on. Transparency and accountability are two important pillars of building trust with community and any moves to shift organisational approaches in this direction should be welcomed.

While there should absolutely be minimum standards for safety, accessibility, and access to services for watch houses, I would caution against this review focusing too heavily on the development of new facilities. The appropriate upgrade and design of watch houses should be balanced with an investment in police training, processes and diversionary facilities.

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Media Contacts

QHRC Media

Email: comms@qhrc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 0407 657 411