Queensland Police Service will disband a specialist unit that provided statewide operational support for domestic and family violence cases, redeploying officers to local districts.
The decision follows a 100-day internal review which concluded domestic violence case management was not “core” police business. The DFV and vulnerable persons command operational support unit will cease, with positions redistributed to frontline commands.
Frontline workers say the unit played a critical role in information sharing and coordinating responses across agencies, warning its removal could increase risks for victim-survivors, particularly women in regional and remote areas.
QPS said the change is part of broader organisational reform aimed at strengthening frontline capability. The service cited improvements since a 2022 inquiry into cultural issues, which found misogyny, sexism and racism were largely unchecked and affected responses to victim-survivors.
QPS said resources and expertise would be positioned “where they can have the greatest impact”, while advocates expressed concern the move reduces specialist oversight amid heightened community concern about domestic violence.
