Smile You are on Civillian Speed Camera in QLD

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CIVILIANS will take the place of police in speed camera vans, with Queensland's Premier insisting officers have no place doing such work.

Endorsing the Keelty Review of police and community safety, Campbell Newman said his government would seek a private company to take over the operation of the Camera Detected Offences Program.

“It is ultimately not good use of highly qualified, highly trained police officers sitting there minding cameras,” said Mr Newman.

“It was a financially rewarding thing for them to do but to have them sitting there minding cameras wasn’t good use of their skills and expertise when they should’ve been out fighting crime.

“I’ll acknowledge they were receiving overtime, but I’ll say something else, it’s my view they are well paid.

“Their pay bears up very well compared with police in other states and I hate to see people doing large amounts of overtime when they arguably should be there with their families and friends enjoying their well-earned rest.”

Transport and Main Roads will now be responsible for the Camera Detected Offences Program and wide-load escorts – currently conducted by police.

Mr Newman said there would still be opportunities for police to earn overtime through “specials” – providing security for major sporting and community events.

The Queensland Police Union is opposed to the outsourcing of speed camera vans and wide-load escorts, saying the move would undermine community safety.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/q...-1226715462928