Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll has announced she will be stepping down from her role.
It comes after a tumultuous week where the commissioner has faced pressure from the ranks after a senior Gold Coast police officer was stood down on February 8.
It was claimed the officer helped catch armed offenders by authorising police to ram a stolen car on February 1.
Queensland’s first female police commissioner will meet with Police Minister Mark Ryan on Tuesday to discuss her future.’
It is expected Ms Carroll will announce her resignation at a press conference Tuesday morning.
Ms Carroll texted media outlets Monday saying she is ‘considering her options’.
Queensland’s first female police commissioner and the first female in the top job, Katarina Carroll (pictured) is ‘considering her options’
‘I have not had formal discussions with the Minister yet. Those conversations will start soon and I may not ask for an extension to my contract,’ she said.
‘I have been from G20 to the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service over 11 years at the highest level. I am seriously considering my options and one is not asking for an extension.’
However, an hour before the text, Ms Carroll issued a statement saying discussions around her contract would start in ‘due course’.
‘Until those discussions happen, I remain firmly focused on tackling crime from every angle to keep our community safe,’ she said.
Ms Carroll’s $650,000 a year, five-year contract is set to expire on July 8. She has been in the top role since July 2019.
Queensland’s 20th police commissioner began her successful police career working in general duties in 1983 before becoming a detective in the drug squad.
Ms Carroll also worked in crime operations and ethical standards.
The Commissioner accepted the role of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner in December 2014.
Ms Carroll was then offered her current position five years later.
The police commissioner said Queensland Police have processed an additional 10,000 people in 2023 compared to 2022 (pictured stock of Queensland Police)
The top cop said she has always been open about the challenges and pressures frontline officers face.
‘I will always provide frank and fearless advice to government and as commissioner I will continue advocating for additional resources, system improvements and the support police need to keep Queensland safe,’ she said.
Ms Carroll said Queensland Police processed an extra 10,000 people through watch houses in 2023 compared to 2022 due to proactive high visibility police operations targeting youth crime.
The commissioner said Queensland Police were committed to reducing youth crime through strong enforcement and bail compliance activities.
High visibility policing and intervention and prevention programs are also used.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said he would support Ms Carroll seeking an extension to her contract.
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