Queensland Rail prioritises customer safety with boost to security team

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LINK TO CAMPAIGN FOOTAGE

LINK TO NEW CCTV​

This Rail Safety Week (7-13 August), Queensland Rail wants its customers to know that 'Your safety and security is our priority', with the announcement of an additional 16 Railway Squad Officers.​

Queensland Rail Senior Manager Security and Emergency Preparedness Drew Brock said the new members are an expansion of our partnership with Queensland Police Service (QPS) and will take the Railway Squad up to 102 officers.  These officers will support Queensland Rail Authorised Officers, Security Monitoring team and Private Security Officers.

“Railway Squad Officers are QPS Officers with specialist training that operate in teams from dedicated outposts at key stations on the network," Mr Brock said.

“The Railway Squad, along with Queensland Rail's security team, undertook 716 joint operations last financial year across the SEQ Network to enhance customer security.

“Our teams work closely with QPS, to create an active and visible presence and stop people doing the wrong thing.

“Anti-social behavior has no place on Queensland Rail trains and precincts, and we've made that clear with Authorised Officers issuing 869 penalty infringement notices and 579 warning notices for behavioural and safety incidents last financial year.

“Some of the top behaviours we issued fines for were alcohol, smoking, nuisance and pedestrian incidents at level crossings/crossing the tracks."

Queenslanders have been given a rare glimpse into a day in the life of security personnel in a range of social media videos shot for the 'Your safety and security is our priority' campaign. 

The campaign also features new posters at stations and on trains, and Spotify ads.

“This campaign is about making sure our customers know we are here for them —that their journeys are not only safe, but pleasant," Mr Brock said.

“We have 11 canine teams patrolling stations, and Guardian Trains at night with security officers onboard, rail squad officers on bikes in the rail corridor and more than 12,000 CCTV cameras around the network.

“If any behaviour is concerning to our customers we want them to know we're here to help at any time." 

Queensland Rail Authorised Officer Claire is one of the employees featured in the videos and said every day was about putting customer safety first.

“I enjoy what I do. I like feeling like I help people and I'm there if situations arise," she said.

“We're happy to help and we want customers to come up and speak to us if there's something on their mind or they don't feel comfortable."

Queensland Police Railway Squad Officer Jason has been with the team for 20 years and said he still loves his job.

“You're seeing a cross section not only of police work but also meeting a cross section of people from the community," he said.

“Customers should always feel that Police Railway Squad Officers are approachable and able to answer any questions regarding their safety and security.

“Our number one priority is to ensure you get to your destination safely."

The additional officers will be added to the squad over the next four years.

ENDS