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Improved safety for QLD

Seven new senior network officers will be in place in Queensland this month

Passengers will be safer when travelling across the south-east Queensland public transport network this Christmas with seven new senior network officers set to graduate this month.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson says the new recruits would bring the force to 59 officers in time for the busy festive season.

The latest recruits are part of a plan to deliver 18 additional officers, bringing the total team to 70 by mid-2015.

Emerson says the new officers will play a key role in efforts to curb anti-social behaviour and reduce fare evasion.

“TransLink teams work closely with operators, the police and private security officers to tackle anti-social behaviour on the public transport network,” he says.

The introduction of senior network officers so far has seen a 23 per cent reduction in assaults on bus drivers across south-east Queensland and a 50 per cent decrease on the Gold Coast.

“We still know there’s more to be done so we’re continuously increasing the number of Senior Network Officers and conducting blitzes on the network.”

Before graduating, all senior network officers have to undertake an intensive eight-week course, which covers legislative powers, tactical and physical training, and conflict management.

The new senior network officer team will graduate on December 18.

They also undergo criminal history checks, psychometric testing, and a medical examination.

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