In July 2011, Cairns Police launched a unique project to improve service delivery to the people of the Torres Strait. The Torres Strait Mobile Policing Project commenced, providing extensive proactive and reactive air and sea patrols in an effort to engage the community. Additionally, it provided a safety platform that would change the perceptions of local people about the role Queensland Police have in protecting the community and stopping crime.
Using the 22 metre QPS vessel William Conroy as a mobile police station of sorts, the project has resulted in over 16,000 hours of community focused crime prevention and community engagement.
Over 250 outer island visits have been possible using the QPS airwing plane Baydhamaw Kupay. This is above and beyond what was previously possible.
Community Engagement remains the focus of the Torres Strait Mobile Policing Project to ensure the people of the Torres Strait feel safe.
A regular patrol schedule has been running for nearly two years and runs in partnership with other Government agencies to engage both adults and youth in these communities through school visits, lectures, blue light discos and other policing events.
A summary of the results from the marine and air patrols up to 1 April 2013 are outlined below:
| Activity |
Outcomes |
| Investigations/inquiries |
1159 |
| Arrests/Notice to Appear |
227 |
| Caution/Conference |
34 |
| Charges |
451 |
| Drug Diversions |
6 |
| Reportable Offenders visited |
37 |
| Random Breath Tests |
150 |
| Search Warrants |
17 |
| Community Assist |
90 |
| Traffic Infringement Notices |
52 |
| Street Checks |
125 |
| Community Council meetings |
140 |
| Interagency meetings |
59 |
| Medical centre visits |
154 |
| School visits/lectures |
98 |
| Vessels boarded |
87 |
| Search and Rescue (SAR) |
19 |
| SAR Hours |
157 |
| Marine Incident Notices |
42 |
| Blue lights |
16 |