New Era for Queensland Police

Queensland Police Service (QPS) has announced the appointment of three new Deputy Commissioners, marking a significant shift in the leadership structure, aimed at enhancing community safety and organizational responsiveness. This leadership refresh comes after the recent retirement of Deputy Commissioner Shane Chelepy, opening up a new slot in the team.

The new Deputy Commissioners include Mark Kelly overseeing People and Assets, Chris Stream in charge of Disaster and Emergency Management, and John Tims who will handle Regional Operations. Each brings a wealth of experience to their roles, with tenures extending over three decades in law enforcement and public safety.

Mark Kelly, stepping in as Deputy Commissioner for People and Assets, has been an integral part of the QPS for over 36 years. His prior role as Acting Deputy Commissioner, Regional Operations, saw him leading state operations that significantly impacted community safety and regional performance. Chris Stream, the new Deputy Commissioner for Disaster and Emergency Management, has over 34 years of service and has been pivotal in leading statewide disaster responses and strategic public safety reforms. Lastly, John Tims, the incoming Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations, brings a robust background from his tenure with the New Zealand Police and his advisory roles in governance and resilience.

Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski expressed confidence in the new leadership team, emphasizing their collective experience as foundational to driving meaningful change within the QPS. The appointments are seen as a crucial step towards realizing the QPS’s vision and delivering improved outcomes for both the workforce and the community at large.

These strategic appointments are set to strengthen the QPS’s commitment to safety and community service, ensuring a proactive and responsive approach to public safety across Queensland.