The Queensland Mounted Police Unit
Lecture by Senior Sergeant Paul Mason (OIC QMPU)
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Lecture will be recorded. Will try for live recording via Livestream
or the recording may appear the day after.
The horse has always played an important role of the policing of Queensland. Horses were a principle means of transport for police officers across the state from the beginning of the Queensland Police Force in 1864 and for the next almost 100 years until motorised transport became the more usual means of transport. Up until the early 1960s, individual police stations had their own stables and paddocks in which to keep their troop horses.
A ‘Mounted Unit’ existed at the Oxley Station and was managed by the Officer in Charge. Oxley police officers also rode patrols and looked after the horses alongside their general duties. A coordinated mounted group was organised as an escort for Queen Elizabeth during her 1954 tour of Brisbane. On 26 August 1974 the Queensland Mounted Police Unit (QMPU) was created. A Senior Sergeant was placed in charge and 2 Constables were transferred from Oxley Station to the QMPU. Other officers were called in for mounted work when required.
Senior Sergeant Mason is OIC of the Queensland Mounted Police Unit and is the guest speaker for the Police Museum Sunday Lecture on 24 September.
During his presentation, Senior Sergeant Mason will outline how members of the QMPU perform a variety of duties from VIP escorts to patrolling inner city areas and parklands, and searching for missing persons. He will explain how the QMPU works to provide a visible police presence at major events and in public spaces.
The one-and-a-half hour presentation will begin at 11am on Sunday, 24 September and will provide educational content suitable for all audiences.
The Museum opens its doors to the public on the last Sunday of each month from 10am to 3pm from February to November in addition to the standard Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm opening hours. Monthly Sunday openings feature guest speakers from across the historical and crime-solving spectrums.
PLEASE NOTE: The Police Museum will open Sunday 24 September from 10am to 3pm and is located on the ground floor of Police Headquarters, 200 Roma Street, Brisbane.