End to police freebies in sight

Queensland police will be banned from accepting free or discounted fast food under new rules.

kfc_100409_L_aap_1241255007

File: KFC. (AAP)



The Queensland Police Service will introduce a revamped gratuities policy on July 1.

Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson says free or discounted food will be banned.

Currently, police are given half-price food and drinks at McDonalds, KFC, Hungry Jacks, Subway, Coffee Club, Gloria Jeans, and many local food shops.

"The police department and I have the view those discounts at fast food places have had their day," Atkinson told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

He said he'd heard the Queensland Police Union wants to create a loyalty card providing discount deals for officers.

"I'll have to wait and see if they'll do that and if that will circumvent the policy," Atkinson said.

The new policy also cracks down on so-called "blue-light taxis" where police cars are used to give officers free lifts home.

"We don't accept... police officers at a hotel having a few drinks should get a free taxi ride home," Atkinson said.

He said police were entitled to free rail travel and that won't change as he believes it improves safety on trains.

The reforms follow a Crime and Misconduct Commission investigation into allegations Gold Coast police did favours for nightclub staff who gave them free drinks and entry.




Share
2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP

Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
End to police freebies in sight | SBS News