History Of The Queensland Police

The history of the Queensland Police Service in Queensland, Australia, commenced in 1864, five years after the Separation of Queensland from New South Wales in 1859. This timeline highlights significant developments in Queensland policing.

1860s

The uniform worn by Queensland police officers after separation in 1859 was a dark blue jacket and top with a forage cap, supplied by the New South Wales police.

1864

The Queensland Police Force was established by the Queensland Government on 1 January 1864 with strength of 287 officers serving a population of 61,467. David Thompson Seymour appointed as Acting Commissioner and later as Commissioner.

Transport in the settled areas was mainly by foot and in the unsettled areas by horse.

The hulk ''Margaret Eliza'' was purchased for £3000. It was refitted and renamed the ''Proserpine''. She was used as a floating water police office, prison, and later as a reformatory school.

Correspondence with the Police Commissioner or between stations was by handwritten letter, moved by horse or Cobb and Co stagecoach, or by telegram.

Finding that no written instructions had ever been issued for the guidance of the police, Commissioner Seymour issues "Rules for the General Government and Discipline of members of the Police Force of Queensland" based upon the Victorian police model.

On 1 December, the Detective Office was created with Sub-Inspector George Elliott in charge.

At December 1864, in the first year of operation of the Queensland Police Force, there were 27 ordinary police stations with 151 foot and mounted officers, and 16 native police camps of 136 European officers and indigenous troopers. Twenty of the 'ordinary police force' stations averaged four officers each, the bigger stations like Brisbane, Ipswich, Rockhampton and Maryborough had larger staff numbers. Native police camps averaged between 7 and 17 men, large camps like Rockhampton could have up to 27 men of both officers and troopers.

1865

Police Commissioner David Seymour described the lack of accommodation for police: "Many men are compelled to live in lodgings, and in the country districts constables live in public-houses some distance from the lock-up at times making them unavailable for sudden emergencies".

Police Commissioner Seymour focussed on the crime of bushranging and took active measures to hasten the capture of these criminals through the purchase of fresh police horses and the construction of securely fenced paddocks at every police station.

Water police were stationed on board the hulk ''Proserpine'' at the mouth of the Brisbane River.

Revolvers were supplied to every police station and 50 breech-loading carbines were delivered to the Department.

1866

The Bread or Blood riot started, threatening the sacking of Government House in Brisbane. Hundreds of government officials were sworn in as special constables to assist police.

The first uniform consisted of a Garibaldi jacket of dark blue, serge wool cloth, red facings, and shoulder knot; trousers of the same material, with red cord, and a high cap with French peak.

1867

On 6 November 1867 Constable Patrick William Cahill and Constable John Francis Power were poisoned and shot in the head at the MacKenzie River Crossing while escorting a consignment of bank notes and bullion from Rockhampton to Clermont. The first major test for the Detective Office was to solve their murders.

Police Commissioner Seymour stated that "men at all stations are, when practicable, to be drilled once a week".

1869

The publication of "Rules for the General Government and Discipline of members of the Police Force of Queensland" was approved, printed and distributed.

Each constable required one pair of handcuffs as part of his equipment allotment.

1870s

Navy blue helmets were introduced and proved to be a very hot choice of headwear; they were phased out in favour of white helmets in 1896.

1870

A police barracks was established in George Street, Brisbane, on the site of the old convict hospital.

Changes to rank insignia were implemented which among other things meant that an acting sergeant would be called a senior constable.

1872

A general order was issued that the Chinese had as much right on the gold fields as Europeans, so long as they had a miners' permit. If a collision resulted in a riot which the police could not quell, they were to note the ring-leaders and apprehend them.

1873

Sub-Inspector Robert Johnstone, officer in charge of native police, accompanied explorer George Dalrymple on the north-east coast expedition to explore the coastal lands as far as Cooktown.

1875

The bulk of the Queensland Police force moved from the Brisbane CBD to Victoria Barracks and occupies the army buildings on site.

Three movable houses and twelve large frame-tents were built in Brisbane and shipped to the Palmer River gold-field. They were quickly erected by two constables and could house six officers.

1876

The Police Manual instructed constables on beat duty to "possess such knowledge of the inhabitants of each house as to enable them to recognise their persons; and thus prevent mistakes, and be enabled to render assistance, when called upon, to the inhabitants".

"Instructions for the Guidance of the Police" were published and a system of competitive examination for promotion was introduced, intended to increase police efficiency.

1877

Laura Police Station opened in 1877 with Sub-Inspector 1/c Hervey Fitzgerald in charge. As at 2019, it was still a single officer station today and was staffed by a senior constable.

1879

Roma Street Police Barracks were built and provided accommodation for about forty-five men, room for an Officer-in-Charge and two cells.

A contingent of trackers was sent to Victoria to assist in the hunt for the Kelly Gang.

1880s

1880

At Birdsville, locally-available cane grass was used on police station walls for its insulation properties and longevity.

Native Police camp accommodation was constructed using a variety of materials, such as saplings, logs, bark, canvas and shingles.

1881

On 24 January Sub-Inspector George Dyas was found buried after being killed by being speared in the back by Aboriginals while he camped near the 40 Mile Waterhole near Normanton.

On 24 September Sub-Inspector Henry Kaye died from being speared through the chest by Aboriginals at Woolgar gold fields ( north of Richmond).

1882

Sub-Inspector 1/c Alexander Douglas was sent to Herberton and with four troopers, two old gold diggers and five Chinese men; he blazed a trail from Herberton to Mourilyan. The party travelled without rations and in continuous rain for twenty days, living mainly on roots.

Martini-Henry rifles were purchased to replace the Snider previously used.

1883

The Petrie Terrace Gaol area was taken over by the Queensland Police and became known as the Petrie Terrace Police Depot where prospective police officers were trained.

On 24 January Cadet Sub-Inspector Mark Beresford died after being speared in the thigh and hit on the head by Aboriginals in the Selwyn Ranges to the south of Cloncurry.

On 26 January Constable William Dwyer was struck on the head by a tomahawk and killed by Wild Toby an Aboriginal bushranger, near Juandah Station via Taroom.

1884

Cap badges consisting of a separate district letter and number were issued and remained in use until 1906.

As policing reached across the State more and more stations were opened usually in small towns of less than 300 people or in places that were growing due to the building of train lines or the discovery of gold. By December 1884, twenty years after the inauguration of the Police Force, there were 155 stations with 657 police officers and 182 indigenous troopers and trackers. There was also a growth in the number of single officer stations. In 1884, 36 stations were operated by single police officers, of these 6 were assisted in their duties by an indigenous tracker.

Running a police station with one officer was a daunting task. Often there was no station building and one had to be rented or moves made to purchase something suitable. Married officers were generally not sent to single officer stations as there was generally no accommodation for them in town. However, wives who did join their husbands, found themselves looking after the station and taking inquiries, while her husband was away. Her tasks could also involve feeding and cleaning up after prisoners in the lock-up.

1886

The first six camels arrived in Birdsville from India in poor condition and by July only four had survived. Despite these early setbacks camels proved useful, travelling hundreds of kilometres on duties such as collecting statistical returns.

1887

The first honour given to any Queensland police officer was a Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal awarded to Constable James O"Brien for saving the life of a nine-year-old boy at Ipswich.

During the Burketown cyclone on 5 March, Sergeant John Ferguson's wife kept a lamp burning in the window of the courthouse and her beacon drew many people to the refuge during the storm.

1889

A Royal Commission of Enquiry into the Police Force proposed sweeping changes including that the control of the section of Water Police known as River Police was given back to the Police Commissioner.

The cost of buying ordinary clothing for plain clothes work was an extra burden that detectives had to meet out of their ordinary pay.

There were eleven detectives on the pay-roll across the State. Seven in Brisbane, two in Townsville, and one each in Normanton and Rockhampton.

On 27 October Senior Constable Alfred Wavell was shot and killed at Corinda (southwest of Burketown) by a man who had escaped from the Normanton lock-up.

1890s

1891

Senior Sergeant Martin Breene and Constable Joseph Waters displayed energy and perseverance during the shearer's strikes by following and preventing "fire gangs" from doing damage at Lammermoor pastoral station.

Eromanga Police Station was first opened on 26 September 1891 in a two roomed cottage rented at a cost of five shillings per week, with Senior Constable Manuell in charge. At this time the township consisted of one large store owned by Mr W Paterson, two first class pubs built of brick, and a couple of " humpys". The resident population was about 20 and there was always a number of men from the opal mines and stations "knocking down their cheques" (spending their money) at Eromanga's pubs. Senior Constable Manuell remained in charge of Eromanga until he was instructed to close this station on 31 December 1891, and to proceed to Thargomindah. The station reopened in 1893. In 1894, the first police residence was built so the police officer have his wife live with him. As at 2019, it was still a single officer station and was staffed by a senior constable.

1893

During the shearer's strike, police were given sole power to "preserve order and secure liberty to all alike".

Acting Sergeant John Raphael Thompson was paid £10 extra to attend to photographic work which included mug shots and crime scene photography.

On 4 February Constable James Sangster, 25, drowned attempting a rescue of two members of the Jackson family during the 1893 flood of the Bremer River at North Ipswich. He is commemorated by the James Sangster Memorial at North Ipswich, which was initiated by the Jackson family and funded by public subscription. The monument has a broken obelisk which symbolises a life cut short.

MacKinlay (now McKinlay) Police Station was opened in 1893.

1894

On 10 May Constable Benjamin Ebbitt died at South Brisbane having never recovered from an assault during an arrest on 9 November 1890 at Croydon.

On 6 September Constable Edward Lanigan was killed by being shot in the chest while trying to prevent another policeman from being shot during an arrest at Montalbion (a mining town near Irvinebank).

1895

On 30 June, Commissioner Seymour retired after 31 years in the job and was replaced by William Edward Parry-Okeden on 1 July. Full control of the water police finally came under the jurisdiction of Police Commissioner.

On 2 July Senior Constable William Conroy died after being stabbed several times trying to prevent a man from stabbing the man's wife on Thursday Island.

The Roma Street police station telephone exchange was connected to fourteen sites including the Woolloongabba and South Brisbane police stations, the Commissioner's house at Red Hill, the Detective Office, the Police Depot and the Central Fire Brigade Station.

1896

The bicycle, as a means of transport was introduced and a slow distribution occurred across the State. At about £13 a bicycle was more expensive than a horse.

Detectives received no special training. Generally, "the smartest and most intelligent" people from among the plain clothes officers in the general police were selected and expected to learn from experience.

The Pearl ferry capsized near the Victoria Bridge on the flooded Brisbane River on Valentine's Day. After the rescue of sixty survivors, police made every effort to recover and identify the bodies of the twenty-nine victims.

A loose tunic was adopted in place of the existing jumper for police uniform. Mounted officers performing mounted duty, wore Bedford cord breeches and black napoleon boots.

1897

The collection housed in the police museum running since 1893, was used to educate recruits about criminal methods.

1899

On the trail of an escapee, Constable James Kenny and four indigenous troopers survived Cyclone Mahina at Bathurst Bay, by staying together after their camp was blown away.

The recruit probation period was increased so that no man was sworn until three months' drill and instruction was completed at the Police Depot.

Englesburg police station was opened on 25 April 1899. The town's name was changed to Kalbar in September 1916 due to anti-German sentiment in World War I.

1900s

1900

At the turn of the century the Queensland Police Department had 845 police officers and 135 native trackers at 256 stations.

1901

First-Class Constable George Pugh displayed discretion and bravery in the single-handed arrest of three men for the unlawful killing of cattle at the Jundah Opal Fields, and for taking them on foot, the to Jundah police station.

The Criminal Investigation Branch moved into the old St John's Cathedral synod building on the corner of Elizabeth and George Streets.

1902

The Imperial Service Order and Medal was established by King Edward for the administration and clerical staff of the Civil Service throughout the British Empire for long and meritorious service.

On 30 March, Constable George Doyle was shot and killed while attempting to capture the Kenniff brothers in Upper Warrego, who had a long history of stealing cattle and horses.

1903

In May the Bronze Medal of the Royal Humane Society was awarded to First-class Michael Becher, Inspector Percy Galbraith, Constables Charles Pinwill and William Ryan who risked their own lives to save the lives of others between 12 November 1889 and 15 January 1903.

On 29 March Acting Sergeant David Johnston was killed by being hit on the head with an axe by a prisoner in the watchhouse at Mackay.

1904

The Fingerprint Bureau was established. During the first year of operation 578 fingerprints were taken and 226 came from other states.

On 16 September 1904, Constable First Class Charles O'Kearney was knocked down and killed by a horse being deliberately ridden towards him in retaliation for an arrest in Laidley.

1905

William Geoffrey Cahill became the third Police Commissioner on 1 April 1905.

On 23 December Constable Albert Price was stabbed and killed while making an arrest at Mackay.

1906

On 27 September 1906: Sergeant Thomas Heaney died at South Brisbane from head fractures sustained when he was hit multiple times over the head with a metal bar during an arrest on 7 June 1905 at Woolloongabba, Brisbane.

On 4 October Police Commissioner Cahill announced the establishment of a Medal for Merit departmental award for police officers who displayed pre-eminent bravery on duty. The first two medals were awarded to Acting Sergeant John Hennessy and Constable Richard Runge on 12 October.

Queensland police enforced the ''Infant Life Protection Act 1905'' by checking the registration of births and the deaths of illegitimate children.

1907

The ''Patrol'' was the first motorised vessel used by the Brisbane Water Police. She was capable of .

Constable Charles Watson and a tracker followed suspected murderer J. W. Patterson for . They captured the fugitive but had very little food or water for the last of the chase.

A new Figure-of-8 style handcuff was introduced.

In 1907, Police Commissioner William Cahill and the Deputy Queensland Government Architect, designed the Queensland Police Station badge based on the police cap badge of the time. Prior to this time, there was no standard way to indicate a police station.

1909

A very fine reserve called Rewan was proclaimed as a stud farm for breeding police horses. The Woodford mares and foals as well as two purchased stallions, "Libertine" and "Mack" populated the reserve.

Very few police stations have a typewriter and some officers use their own to complete reports and correspondence.

The King's Police Medal was instituted by King Edward VII on 7 July to be awarded to those officers of properly recognised police forces and fire brigades under the jurisdiction of the sovereign, who showed distinguished service and conspicuous devotion to duty, or who carried out heroic acts of courage. First awarded to Constable John Bourke on 29 August 1911.

The good will of the community was necessary if an officer was to be able to carry out his duties effectively while in town and to then to be confident that nothing untoward would happen while he was away checking the rest of his beat by horse. Communities were often loath to let an officer go when he was transferred away and often took up petitions and wrote letters to the Police Commissioner begging for the officer to remain in town. Long standing officers were often presented with gifts and highly decorated letters of thanks from their community. When Sergeant Lawrence Clare was transferred in March 1909, the citizens of the Esk District expressed their thanks:

''To''
''Sergeant L. J. Clare''

''Together with a Purse of Forty Sovereigns''

''From his many friends in the Esk Police District''

''Dear Sir''

''We, the residents of Esk and District, desire to approach you with the purest sentiments of congratulation at the close of your most efficient service of Ten Years as Constable and Sergeant in charge of our large District. Those who have been associated with you will long cherish your courtesy and untiring zeal in carrying out at all times your official duties with credit to yourself and the Department in which you are engaged. In presenting you with the accompanying gift we are deeply sensible that it is in no sense an adequate measure of your excellent qualities and labours; nor do we wish you to regard it in the light of a recompense but ask you to accept it as a mark of our regard. In conclusion, we sincerely wish that both yourself and your family will in future have every happiness and prosperity.''

''Signed for on behalf of the Subscribers.''

''Alex Smith, Chairman Esk Shire Council''

1910s

1910

Inspector White reported that nearly every station within a five-mile radius of the centre of Brisbane was connected by telephone.

Chief Inspector Urquhart favourably mentioned Constable Peter Hagarty of Finch Hatton: "he is an exceptional good man in a rough place among a very rough class of people. He made seventy-one arrests single handed this year and is most highly spoken of by the respectable portion of the community".

1911

In 1911, 300 cast iron station badges, each weighing and costing , were manufactured for the Police Department by Harvey & Son, Globe Iron Works, Brisbane and distributed as identification badges to every police station in Queensland.

First reference to the idea of women police was made by the National Council of Women of Queensland.

1912

The 1912 Brisbane general strike started as a tramway strike but gains momentum with 20,000 or more people withholding their labour and brings industry to a standstill. Mass rallies see police numbers bolstered by the swearing in of 3,000 special constables.

1914

Police stations serve a variety of local community needs and police officers were expected to act in extraneous roles as representatives for the government. World War I begins.

1915

Police Commissioner Cahill rejects the idea of employing women following an inquiry by the Acting Home Secretary.

1916

The strength of the Force on 30 June, was 1037 general police, 30 Criminal Investigation Branch officers, 11 water police officers, 99 indigenous police, 27 recruits and 89 on leave with the Commonwealth Military Forces on active service in World War I.

At 13 July, four-year old Nicholas Frousheger wandered away from his home about south of Charleville. The media reports that "the police, and a large party of civilians are trying hard to overtake him, but it is difficult owing to the stony ridges and the light imprint left by the little one".

1917

Frederic Charles Urquhart becomes the fourth Police Commissioner on 1 January 1917.

1918

World War I ends.

1919

On 24 March, 8,000 soldiers and conservatives march on the Russian émigré headquarters at South Brisbane which leads to violent clashes between protestors and police. This uprising was known as the Red Flag Riots or Red Monday.

1920s

1920

Bicycles, not cars, were the usual means of transportation used by police for the prevention and detection of crime. Police Commissioner Ryan establishes bicycle patrols so that plain clothes officers could keep the suburbs of Brisbane under surveillance at night time.

1921

An explosion at Mount Mulligan Colliery entombs over seventy miners. Residents, men from a neighbouring mine assist Constable James O'Dwyer in efforts to recover deceased miners.

Patrick Short became the fifth Police Commissioner on 16 January 1921.

1922

Millaa Millaa police station opened in 1922. The first officer to be stationed at Millaa Millaa was Constable Daniel Dwyer. As at 2019, it was still a single officer station and was staffed by a senior constable.

1924

The first thorough revision of "Rules for the general government and discipline of the members of the Police Force of Queensland" was completed.

1925

779 horses were in service, three camels were obtained for Noccundra police station and three new Harley-Davidson motorcycles with side cars were purchased.

William Harold Ryan becomes the sixth Police Commissioner on 15 January 1925.

1926

The first two motorised vehicles were Black Marias or prison vans, one of which utilised the body from a horse-drawn prison van on the back of a Bean truck chassis.

1927

The Criminal Investigation Branch building in Queen's Park was blown up by a criminal intent on destroying the evidence against him.

Retired Sergeant 2/c William Lynam had the gruesome job of burying seventeen Ingham flood victims, men, women, and children of three Italian families "on the nearest patch of dry land I could find".

Dustcoats and overalls were worn by members of the Criminal Investigation Branch when riding on motorcycles to prevent dust and oil from staining clothing.

1928

There was only one detective available to handle criminal investigations between Townsville and Cloncurry.

1929

Inspector Loch describec Cecil Plains as "a large pastoral and farming district with large areas of thickly timbered and pear infested ground that gives stock thieves excellent opportunity to carry out their work".

1930s

1930

On 6 August 1930 Constable Ernest James Dawson was on traffic duty on the Yungaburra Road near Lake Barrine when he lost control of his motorcycle. Despite emergency surgery which appeared initially successful, complications arose and he died in Brisbane General Hospital on 18 January 1931. There was a huge funeral procession in his honour on 19 January 1931.

1931

The first two women police, Miss Zara Dare and Miss Eileen O'Donnell were appointed on 16 March, after Queensland Cabinet supported a submission by Irene Longman, Queensland's first female Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. They were attached to Roma Street police station in the centre of Brisbane but were not sworn-in and had no powers of arrest. They did not have a uniform but were given a badge. Their duties were to protect the interests of women and children.

1932

On 5 January, four-year-old Betty Doherty was taken by crocodile as she plays near the Seymour River, about east of Halifax. Acting Sergeant Frank Conaty and Constables George Schnitzerling, Jens Fredericksen and Arnold Still made an extensive search but fail to find any trace of the child.

1934

Cecil James Carroll becomes the seventh Police Commissioner on 8 May 1934.

A special squad of traffic police was organised for the control of the Brisbane traffic district.

The Battley Single Finger Print System was adopted, to reduce the period of search for a print found at the crime scene among the 470,000 impressions held.

Carroll introduces the police cadet system to admit applicants of 18 years with a junior pass or a senior level school certificate.

Carroll initiated the establishment of the Queensland Police Welfare Club which was located within Roma Street police station and served alcohol as well as offering recreational amenities such as a library, billiard tables and darts boards. Six weeks after its establishment the Club held its first ball at the Brisbane City Hall on 1 August 1934. Over 2,000 people attended and was believed to be the largest function of its kind ever held in Brisbane. The balls were an annual event and were held at Brisbane City Hall until the 1960s when they relocated to Cloudland Ballroom; the balls ceased in the 1970s.

1935

The Modus Operandi Section was established by Police Commissioner Carroll as a central repository for criminal records regarding their habits or manner of working. A Criminal Photographic Supplement was reproduced in the Queensland Police Gazette to allow quick access to the information collected by the Modus Operandi Section.

The Queensland Police Department was given control of the ''Firearms Act'' and creates the Firearms Section under Clerk Thomas Baty, to undertake the major task of licensing firearms.

Commissioner Carroll gains approval for an experimental wireless station with the call sign ' VKR'. Three patrol cars were equipped with the new one-way, wireless communication system.

Weekly lectures were delivered by experienced officers at the Roma Street police barracks and copies of lectures were distributed to every police officer.

1936

Newly-sworn Constable Thomas Baty assumes charge of the Firearm Section.

The new brick two-storey, Fortitude Valley police station was built and officially opened on 6 July. It was described as the "finest, most up-to-date and most comfortable police station in Queensland". It is now heritage-listed.

1937

The Queensland Police becomes mechanised and a departmental garage was built to service the departments growing number of motorcycles and motor vehicles. Trained mechanics worked in the garage.

The Firearms Section was enlarged to include forensic ballistics and a laboratory was installed, with microscopical and photomicrographical apparatus to examine bullets.

A librarian was appointed to look after the Central Police Library's collection of 5,000 law, crime and fiction books.

1938

The Criminal Investigation Branch consisted of 48 detectives, 65 plain clothes police spread over all districts, along with 14 cadets.

The Firearm Section was expanded to encompass the scientific investigation of firearms under the area of Forensic Ballistics.

On 28 November Constable George Robert Young of the water police was one of four men on a RAAF amphibious aircraft which crashed killing all on board. They were searching for the body of missing woman Marjorie Norval in the estuaries of Moreton Bay when the aircraft hit high tension wires.

1939

During World War II (1939 to 1945) the Police Commissioner worked in cooperation with the Australian Defence Department to provide protection of civilian lives, public buildings and communications lines.

1939

The King's Commendation for Brave Conduct was instituted by King George VI to acknowledge brave acts by civilians and members of the military in non-warlike circumstances during a time of war or in peacetime where the action would not otherwise be recognised by an existing award.

Legislation provides police with selection of and control over civilian air-raid wardens. Police officers were involved in enrolling and training wardens to receive and pass on news of raids from Defence Information Centres.

A seven-month-long "School of Instruction in Criminal Investigation Work" course was established.

New barracks at Petrie Terrace were built to replace the old structure used since 1883 at a cost of £40,000. It provided a training centre for recruits and a home for 104 single men performing duty in central Brisbane.

1940s

1940

The system of interchange of detectives and the sharing of knowledge with New South Wales and Victoria police continues, with one Queensland detective working in Sydney and the other in Melbourne.

The King's Police Medal becomes the King's Police and Fire Services Medal and was awarded for acts of exceptional courage and skill or who exhibit conspicuous devotion to duty. First awarded to Constable Athol Haines on 28 July 1943.

The George Medal was established by order of King George VI on 4 September, was given for acts of great bravery. First awarded to Constable 1/c Osmond Cislowski on 11 May 1956.

The number of women in the Women Police Section increases to nine in response to the extra demands on policing during World War II.

1941

A permanent two-way radio station, allowing two-way radio wireless communication with patrol cars, was established to replace the temporary one-way system in use since 1935.

The Women Police Section was formed with Elizabeth Boyle as supervisor and attached to the Criminal Investigation Branch Headquarters in George Street, Brisbane.

The Central Fingerprint Bureau in Sydney was created for use by all policing jurisdictions.

The Forensic Ballistics Section was renamed as the Scientific Section and now encompasses forensic chemistry, scientific photography and the examination of documents and handwriting. The Scientific Section was examining documents and handwriting with ultra-violet rays and microscopy.

The Force was staffed by 1610 police officers and 34 native trackers at 341 stations.

1942

Inspector Noel Carseldine remarked: "The fact of the war having continued throughout the year has meant the performance of arduous duties by the police in this district. Several hundred aliens have been interned in the sugar areas of Ayr, Brandon, Giru, Halifax, Home Hill and Ingham".

1945

246 bicycles were in use across the State.

The Fingerprint Bureau, the Modus Operandi Record System, the Photographic and Scientific Sections were classified under the title: Technical Aids in the Investigation of Crime.

1946

Detective Constable Les Bardwell took over the Scientific Section and remains as the Officer in Charge until his retirement in 1976.

The "White Ghost", a white Chevrolet Special Deluxe utility, equipped with a loud hailer, was introduced to Brisbane and Toowoomba streets as part of a road safety campaign.

New uniform consisted of an open-neck tunic, airman's blue shirt, with detachable collar, black tie, and a new type white helmet.

1947

The Photographic Unit gains staff who have experience with drawing plans of crime scenes and road collisions.

Probationaries undergo six months of training at the Police Depot.

1948

The Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association was registered under the jurisdiction of the Police Department on 20 May.

1949

There were 100 cars in use across the state representing brands such as Ford, Buick, Chevrolet, International, G.M.C, Mercury, Hudson, De Soto, Dodge and Plymouth.

Fingerprint Expert Cecil Smith and two Queensland detectives make history when they take hand and palm prints from almost the entire population of Ocean Island (now Banaba Island) to catch a double murderer.

John Smith becomes the eight Police Commissioner on 24 July 1949.

1950s

1950

Radio transmissions were made from Mount Coot-tha and the switch from amplitude modulated (AM) mobile equipment to frequency modulated (FM) equipment was made.

Road safety lectures were introduced into schools and kindergartens. Puppets were used to illustrate scenarios for younger children and older children were taught to cross the street and to ride a bicycle safely.

After an inquisitive cow fell into a ditch at the rear of the Queensland Woollen Mill in Ipswich, police were called to perform a rescue operation. Using a small crane, the heavy beast was successfully winched from the ditch and suffered only shock.

There were fourteen police districts and 338 stations throughout Queensland at 30 June. Somerset police station was re-established and a new station was opened at Kenilworth.

The Police Force was staffed by 2030 male police officers, 10 women police and 30 trackers. The State population had reached one million.

1951

The Central Communications Room opens at the CIB building in Brisbane and becomes the nerve centre of police communications through the state.

1954

Police radio stations were operating in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville.

The British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service originally established in 1922, was first awarded to Constable Noel Haupt on 17 October.

The King's Police and Fire Services Medal was split into two awards, the Queen's Fire Service Medal and the Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry which was first awarded posthumously to Constable 1/c Roy Doyle on 1 April 1956.

The King's Commendation for Brave Conduct became the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct. It was first awarded to Constable Clifford Lebsanft on 11 May 1956.

1955

Women were permitted to join the Queensland Police Union.

The Brisbane Traffic Branch was established as an entity separate from the Brisbane Police District.

Patrick Glynn becomes the ninth Police Commissioner on 6 January 1955.

1956

The Union's application for equal pay fails in the Industrial Court.

The State was affected by cyclonic disturbances and flood conditions resulting in widespread interruption to communications and damage to property.

On 1 April Constable First Class Roy Doyle died in hospital at Mackay from head injuries sustained when he hit a submerged block of concrete while attempting a rescue in the flooded Pioneer River at Mackay on 29 March.

On 1 May the awarding of the Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, originally proclaimed by King George VI in 1951, was extended to include the states of Australia by Queen Elizabeth II. The medal was awarded after twenty-two years of approved police service and 378 police officers qualify.

1957

208 centres were sharing 384 vehicles and 126 horses – 73 cars, 113 utilities, 37 land rovers, 6 vans, 155 motorbikes and 179 bicycles.

Thomas William Harold becomes the tenth Police Commissioner on 1 April 1957.

Two Traffic Branch officers attend the "Traffic Engineering Course" offered by the New South Wales University of Technology.

Police Commissioner Harold puts into operation four radio-equipped prowl cars to cruise the city and suburbs through the night.

1958

The British Empire Medal for Gallantry was established on 14 January. First awarded to Constable James Boyle on 7 August 1959.

Francis Erich (Frank) Bischof becomes the eleventh Police Commissioner on 30 January 1958. With a view to raising the morale and status of newly sworn-in personnel, Bischof decides to inaugurate passing out parades for probationaries. The first parade was held on 29 May with twenty-four men being sworn.

The Queensland Police Pipe Band makes its first public appearance on 29 August at a passing-out parade at the Petrie Terrace Police Depot.

1959

The Stock Investigation Squad was formed, with a detective sergeant and three plain clothes members.

Following complaints that police stations were not readily identifiable, the Queensland Department of Works was asked to supply conspicuous illuminated signs showing POLICE in black letters on a white background. On 5 May 1959, a sample illuminated sign was erected at Holland Park Police Station and with that success, an order was placed with Albert Smith and Son to manufacture these signs. Over the next decade the illuminated signs were progressively installed at stations and the old style cast iron badges were returned to the Police Depot. Sometime in the late 1960s the illuminated word POLICE, was produced in white letters on a black background, and in the mid 1980s a blue light was added to the top for more effect.

Sub-Inspector Cecil Smith was appointed as the first Queensland Police Public Relations Officer on 6 July. He was expected to make regular telecasts on topical police matters by way of the new technology of television.

1960s

1960

Detective Senior Sergeant Les Bardwell, Constable Barry Short and Cadet Neil Raward were the only three scientific officers servicing the State.

A new range of drab olive uniform and a new cap badge were introduced.

1961

A new insignia was introduced which was an adaptation of the police badge. It bears the Latin motto ''Constantia ac Comitate'' (English translation: Firmness with Courtesy'')''.

1962

The old Queensland Egg Board building, on the corner of Makerston Street and North Quay was purchased and converted into the State police headquarters.

.38 Smith and Wesson revolvers were purchased to enable the standardisation of firearms.

On 19 February Constable Gregory Olive was shot in the chest at close range and killed when he knocked on a front door to make inquiries at Kelvin Grove, Brisbane.

On 16 August Constable Douglas Wrembeck stopped to question a motorist in South Brisbane and was killed when he was struck by a car driven by a hit-and-run driver.

1963

The Juvenile Aid Bureau (JAB) was established to guide potential youthful law breakers on the right path and prevent them from incurring a court conviction. JABs were renamed in the 2000s as child protection and investigation units (CPIUs).

On 14 February Senior Constable Cecil Bagley was electrocuted when he tried to rescue a neighbour being electrocuted in his car at Mount Gravatt, south Brisbane. Although at home, his death was deemed to have occurred while on duty because, as a police officer, he was always expected to respond in an emergency situation.

1964

On 30 June the police strength equals 2760 police officers (1 police officer to 571 people).

On 26 October Senior Constable Desmond Trannore was shot and killed attending a domestic disturbance near Gordonvale, North Queensland.

1965

On 31 March, eight serving plain-clothes women police were sworn in and given equal powers and rank as male officers. In June the first uniformed women were sworn in following regular probationary training.

Twenty-one new Ford Cortina sedan motor cars were purchased for traffic work.

179 cars, eight vans, eighteen motor cycles, one bus and one utility truck were fitted with two-way wireless. Twenty-three cars and three utility trucks were fitted with two-way wireless.

The first set of specially chosen police was trained for a "Rescue 8" Squad to handle major incidents and disaster emergencies.

The first-ever issue of attire for policewomen was a female version of the drab olive uniform.

1966

Sergeant 2/c Colin Ward and Constable Colin Tapsall installed the first police-owned UHF radio linking system from Saddle Mountain near Kuranda, to the Cairns Airport.

1968

All new CIB detective appointees were required to attend a course of training that includes lectures by senior experienced detectives, films and practical application.

The Company Squad was reorganised as the Fraud Squad.

On 27 March Constable Douglas Gordon was shot and killed attending a domestic disturbance at Inala, in south Brisbane.

On 26 June the Crime Prevention Bureau commences operation, for the purpose of providing two police officers in a full-time capacity to impart security and personal safety advice to community members.

The Emergency Squad was established principally to deal with the apprehension of armed offenders.

A World War II sea mine washes up onto the beach at Surfers Paradise, shocking those enjoying the sun, sand and surf. The device was successfully deactivated and removed by the Royal Australian Navy with the help of Gold Coast police.

1969

Printing of Volume 1 of the new "Queensland Policeman's Manual" was completed and preparation of Volume 2 was well advanced.

Probationaries receive training in the use of Breath Testing Devices (Alcotest) and Breath Analysing Instruments ( Breathalyser).

Norwin William Bauer becomes the twelfth Police Commissioner on 14 February.

On 9 April Senior Constable Colin Brown was shot and killed while investigating the behaviour of a farm employee on a property near Dayboro

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