A police beat at Rochedale South will not be closing despite rumours circulating last week.
The rumours spread quickly, and prompted outcry from residents and the local councillor.
“For many years, there has been a momentum to see our local police beats closed down,” Cr Lisa Bradley said in a post to social media.
“In light of recent events of public safety concerns in our local area, this is something I can not sit back and allow to happen – especially with our local State Member in opposition.
“I have called on a member of our community to lead a petition to our State Parliament to keep our local Police positions in our local community, rather than transferred 10 plus km away.
“This is not the time to remove local police in our area.”
However, the police minister’s office confirmed to MyCity Logan it would remain open.
Cr Bradley later updated the post to confirm the beat was not closing.
A Queensland Police Service (QPS) spokesperson said there were two permanent officer positions at the beat, one of which was currently vacant after an officer was promoted.
“The Logan District is preparing to recruit for this position,” the spokesperson said.
“The QPS continues to evaluate its service delivery models, including existing residential and police beat locations, to ensure the proactive delivery of efficient and effective policing services.
“The QPS is committed to keeping the Rochedale community safe and will always ensure a strong police presence, particularly in large public and community areas.”
Earlier this month, police announced they were increasing their presence in Logan, specifically Rochedale South, by requesting more officers, increasing high-visibility patrols, and “intensifying” targeted investigations.
This was prompted by a crime surge in the area that began in October last year.
The police spokesperson said mobile police beats were also being deployed in priority areas to address crime and to engage with the community to gather intelligence and provide personal, home, and business security advice.
She said officers from the highway patrol, dog squad, tactical crime squad, state flying squad, and public safety response team were responding to crime in the area.
“In addition, Operation Xray Unison provides additional shifts for police to conduct high visibility policing activities to prevent and disrupt crime, enhance public safety and increase community confidence,” the spokesperson said.
Since the operation started in March 2023, there have been more than 3400 patrols at crime hotspots and shopping centres in Logan.
