A new police operation called Operation Victor Unison has been launched in Queensland with the goal of targeting youth crime and enhancing community safety. The operation will involve high-visibility patrols by police officers in intelligence-driven hotspots including public spaces and residential areas.
These boosted patrols are conducted in addition to day-to-day policing operations, enabling officers to engage with young people, conduct bail checks and walk through shopping precincts. Operation Victor Unison follows the success of Operation Uniform Theta, which resulted in the arrests of over 2,800 individuals on 6,500 charges and around 23,000 proactive policing activities.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler stated that the Queensland Police Service received positive feedback from business owners, retail staff, and local community members about the high visibility policing during Operation Uniform Theta. He also said that this ‘boots-on-the-ground style’ operation will see officers patrolling streets in marked police vehicles, walking through shopping centres, retail and restaurant precincts, and engaging with the community.
Police Minister Mark Ryan stated that the high police presence has many benefits in keeping communities safe. The extra patrols are over and above normal calls for service and everyday policing operations in areas where they are needed most.
He also emphasized the importance of community members being able to speak with their local police about issues affecting their area.
Operation Victor Unison will be conducted across key districts and locations around Queensland, and the community can expect to see extra police out on the beat in their local communities. The high visibility policing operation is expected to have a strong deterrence factor and send a clear message to would-be offenders.