If Lieutenant David Thompson Seymour were still alive today, 160 years after he became the first Commissioner of the Queensland Police Force, he would most certainly be amazed at how the Service has evolved to include state-of-the-art facilities like the Caboolture Watchhouse, which opened in 2021; the Cyber Crime Group; Police Air Operations; Forensic Crash Unit; along with the Dog Squad, the Dive Squad, and the Mounted Unit.
In its early days, the QPS had 287 officers entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding a population of approximately 61,467.
Lt David Thompson Seymour, a distinguished former British Army officer, assumed the role of the inaugural commissioner in 1864.
Born in Ireland and educated at Ennis College, he joined the British Army as an ensign in 1856 and was promoted to lieutenant in 1858. He arrived in Brisbane in January 1861, commanding the first detachment in Queensland after its separation. He served as aide-de-camp and private secretary to the governor before retiring from the army to become the acting commissioner of police under the Police Act of 1863. His official appointment as Commissioner came in July 1864.
Commissioner Seymour played a pivotal role in the establishment of a detective force in 1864 and the incorporation of the Water Police in 1893. His era was marked by a resolute commitment to law enforcement, evident in his handling of events like the Brisbane riot of 1866 and the dispatch of Indigenous trackers to assist in the hunt for Ned Kelly’s gang in 1880. Beyond his policing duties, Seymour advocated for various social causes, including improvements in immigrant ship routes and reformatories for girls under fourteen years of age.
Under his leadership, the QPS grew to 907 officers by his retirement in 1895.
Modern Evolution of the QPS
Over time, the QPS has undergone significant evolution. In the 2000s, pivotal legislative changes occurred, consolidating police powers under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 and redefining the Service’s responsibilities through the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001. Technological advancements, such as introducing Tasers, have played a vital role in enhancing officers’ capabilities.
The QPS has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, allowing officers and staff to participate in events like the Brisbane Pride Festival since 2015, reflecting the Service’s evolving approach to community engagement.
QPS Impact in Caboolture
The Caboolture Police Station serves as a crucial hub for law enforcement in Moreton Bay, ensuring the safety and security of its surrounding communities. The Caboolture Watchhouse, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2021, further bolsters the QPS’s presence in the region.
In a notable development, 129 recruits were inducted into the QPS, with four first-year constables assigned to the Caboolture Station. This initiative reflects the QPS’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the area, aligned with the region’s growth.
The Queensland Police Service has actively engaged with the Caboolture community through programs like SupportLink, resulting in over 530 referrals addressing diverse support needs, including road trauma, substance misuse, youth and parenting support, domestic violence, and victim support services.
Published 5-Jan-2024
