When the Police Become Stakeholders – an exploration of corruption

In an unprecedented and thinly veiled move, the Queensland and New South Wales Police have rolled out a fleet of new vehicles boldly emblazoned with the Santos logo.

QPS Media has been quick to affirm that this is not the first time the state owned service has been directly affiliated with a privately owned corporation, and that the financial backing of Santos will not in any way affect the police activities of the service.

But communities and activist groups throughout Queensland and New South Wales have become concerned that the unabashed link between state essential services and corporate giants who profit directly from community control and coercion could affect the way police interact with locals, particularly those who are taking a stand against the controversial projects of intimidating organisations like Santos.

Santos has found itself caught in the midst of angry protesters throughout Australia, and in other parts of the world, particularly in opposition to their coal seam gas projects which have unpredictable effects on the surrounding environment. In some cases, where operations have been difficult or poorly performed, coal seam gas and other noxious gases and toxic chemicals have polluted groundwater systems, which are used to irrigate crops as well as support natural fresh water reserves and those used for human consumption.

The issue of police intervention in peaceful protest activities opposing large mining projects has come into the spotlight recently as ex-Wallabies captain David Pocock was arrested following his involvement in a blockade protest at the Maules Creek mine, projected to be one of the biggest open cut coal mines in the world and is owned by mining giant Whitehaven.

Services assigned with keeping the peace and protecting public interests by upholding the law, described as the law's enforcement arm, and its face within the community should not have vested financial interest in corporations with their own agenda.

By Erin Lawson