The notices follow a formal complaint lodged by the Queensland Police Union (QPU) in March, which warned of severe overcrowding and unsafe staffing levels. Inspectors also found problems such as improper chemical storage, building‑maintenance defects, the absence of a sexual‑harassment prevention plan, poor ventilation, mould growth and a shortage of personal protective equipment.

QPU president Shane Prior called the conditions “disgusting” and described the watch houses as a “ticking time bomb”. He warned that the situation could seriously hurt police officers or even cause a detainee to lose their life. Overcrowding has forced some detainees to sleep on floors or in makeshift overflow areas, raising the risk of violence and health emergencies for everyone inside.

The regulatory notices are written directions, not fines; they require the police service to correct each identified hazard. WHSQ said it will keep monitoring the watch houses to ensure the police service complies with the required improvements.

The regulator’s action shows that strict workplace‑health oversight is essential to protect both police staff and the people they detain, and that ignoring watch‑house conditions can quickly become a safety crisis.