IF YOU visit any community site on social media, it won’t take long to find people expressing their frustration about the state of crime in our region.
Youth crime, and crime in general, is a highly contentious topic in our community right now.
Incidents of hooning, break-ins, theft, vandalism and even more tragic outcomes are becoming all too common.
I understand the community has a frustration with these escalating trends, I share that.
However, it is difficult to comprehend the negativity directed at the dedicated men and women who serve in the blue uniform.
We must remember that they are not the lawmakers, and I am confident they too feel disillusioned by the situations they often face.
Having reported on many court proceedings, I can attest that offenders frequently receive lenient sentences, much to the dismay of police prosecutors and off they go again.
Our Hervey Bay officers are ordinary mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters—with families of their own.
Their job requires them to confront abnormal and often dangerous situations during every shift and then seamlessly transition back to their everyday lives.
These officers frequently face attacks from those they are trying to help, threats from individuals intent on causing harm, verbal abuse and even being spat on, all while witnessing unspeakable tragedies.
This is far more than what is expected in a typical day’s work, and for significantly less compensation than many other professions.
Our local officers are understaffed, under-resourced and underappreciated.
They lack the clairvoyant skills and omnipresence expected of them to be everywhere at all times.
Assaults on police have increased by 37% over the past three years and in Queensland, there is a need for an additional 800 officers.
The individuals who criticise police on social media are often the same ones who call for help during their own crises.
If you believe it is easy, there is an option on the Queensland Police website to sign up and join the force.
