The Queensland Police Service has launched a new mobile interface to enable frontline officers to respond to domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents with easily accessible information on the relationships between those involved.
Superintendent David Johnson joined Acting Superintendent Ben Martain to unveil the new tool, accessible by general duties police via their QLiTE mobile devices.
The new QLiTE NextGen DV Search interface enables officers to locate valuable information quickly and easily as they respond to domestic and family violence incidents.
Superintendent Johnson said the DV Search technology provided frontline officers with details on family relationship, history, orders and conditions relating to a DFV incident.
“This new platform has been developed specifically to enable our frontline officers to access crucial information on the relationships between all parties involved, including current and previous domestic violence orders, cross orders, past relationships and referrals,” Superintendent Johnson said.
“The functionality means that at the point of crisis, police can clearly see and interpret pertinent information on an individual’s D&FV relationships, which simplifies and allows more informed decisions than occurrence-based records.
“Providing our officers with the latest technology enables them to access valuable information when attending a DFV incident, which is critical in ensuring our response is victim-centric.”
Acting Superintendent Martain said the new functionality would enhance the response to domestic and family violence.
“In 2020/21, our officers have responded to over 120,000 domestic violence occurrences, each one with complex dynamics that police often have to assess at the point of crisis,” Acting Superintendent Martain said.
“With 40 per cent of police time spent on responding to and investigating DFV incidents, it is vital that we provide our officers with immediate and clear access to all possible information at the time of an incident.
“This new interface will enable frontline police to assess the situation before them, ensuring that victims remain at the centre of our response at all times.
“We are committed to the ongoing education of our officers in this space, as well as the continual review and improvement of the methods we use to protect and support victims of domestic and family violence.
“We are acutely aware of the prevalence of DFV within our community and are committed to utilising all advancements in technology to benefit our officers and those impacted by domestic and family violence.”
