Queenslandβs policing system is designed to help residents report crimes and access police services efficiently. Policelink and Queensland Police Stations play different but complementary roles in this process.
Understanding when to call Policelink (π 131 444) and when to visit a police station ensures emergency services arenβt overwhelmed. Policelink is for non-urgent matters such as reporting stolen property or making general inquiries, while police stations handle serious incidents requiring in-person statements or urgent investigations.
This guide explains when to contact Policelink, when to visit or call a Queensland police station, and includes key station contact details for easy reference.
What Is Policelink?
Policelink is the Queensland Police Service (QPS) contact centre for non-urgent police matters. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, enabling residents to report crimes, lodge complaints, and seek police assistance without calling emergency services.
The Policelink hotline (131 444) is the official number for reporting incidents that do not require an immediate police response.
Policelink operates under the Queensland Police Service, guided by the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld). Reports are handled in accordance with legal and investigative procedures. Policelink also directs individuals to Legal Aid Queensland, Crime Stoppers, and community legal centres when appropriate.
Services Available Through Policelink
Policelink helps Queensland residents handle police matters efficiently. Through the hotline, website, or mobile app, you can:
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Report non-urgent crimes β Theft, fraud, lost property, vandalism, and minor traffic offences.
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Lodge an official complaint β Submit concerns about police conduct or integrity matters (also available through the QPS Online Complaint Form).
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Request a criminal history check β Guidance on obtaining records through the Queensland Police Records Unit.
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Submit reports online β File reports digitally via the Policelink online portal or mobile app.
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Make general inquiries β Ask about crime reports, ongoing investigations, or police procedures.
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Update an existing police report β Provide new details or corrections to a previously lodged report.
How Policelink Helps Reduce Emergency Call Volume
Policelink ensures Triple Zero (000) remains free for life-threatening emergencies. By redirecting non-urgent matters to 131 444, it prevents unnecessary emergency calls and allows frontline responders to focus on critical incidents.
Its online reporting tools also reduce in-person visits to police stations and QPS Headquarters, improving service delivery and response times across Queensland.
When to Use Policelink vs Queensland Police Stations
Knowing which service to contact ensures your matter is handled promptly.
When to Call Policelink (131 444)
Call Policelink for:
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Reporting non-urgent crimes (e.g. stolen bikes, vandalised property, minor fraud).
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General police inquiries about records, procedures, or ongoing reports.
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Online or app-based reports that donβt require officer attendance.
When to Visit a Queensland Police Station
Go to a police station when:
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Making a formal statement for court, indictable offences, or abuse reports.
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Reporting a serious crime in person, such as domestic or family violence.
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Discussing ongoing investigations directly with an officer.
When to Call 000 Instead
Only dial 000 for:
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Life-threatening emergencies β domestic violence, major accidents, or medical crises.
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Active crimes in progress β assault, burglary, or dangerous behaviour.
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Serious criminal offences β armed robbery, sexual violence, or situations involving weapons.
Major Queensland Police Stations
Queensland hosts hundreds of stations, from regional outposts to metropolitan hubs. Below are some of the most active locations.
(Operating hours may vary β call ahead for non-urgent visits. For emergencies, always dial 000.)
Queensland Police Service Headquarters
Address: 200 Roma St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Phone: (07) 3364 3010
Brisbane Region
Brisbane City Police Station
16 Mary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000ββ’β(07) 3258 2582
Fortitude Valley Police Station
Cnr Brookes St & Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006ββ’β(07) 3737 5757
South Bank Police Station
3 Glenelg St, South Brisbane QLD 4101ββ’β(07) 3849 3344
Acacia Ridge Police Station
7 Chardean St, Acacia Ridge QLD 4110ββ’β(07) 3014 3200
Albany Creek Police Station
179 Old Northern Rd, Albany Creek QLD 4035ββ’β(07) 3264 0599
Gold Coast Region
Southport Police Station
96 Scarborough St, Southport QLD 4215ββ’β(07) 5571 4222
Surfers Paradise Police Station
23 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217ββ’β(07) 5657 6888
Coomera Police Station
11 De Barnett St, Coomera QLD 4209ββ’β(07) 5519 5555
Sunshine Coast Region
Maroochydore Police Station
13 Cornmeal Parade, Maroochydore QLD 4558ββ’β(07) 5475 2444
Caloundra Police Station
1 Gregson Pl, Caloundra QLD 4551ββ’β(07) 5439 4444
Far North Queensland Region
Cairns Police Station
5 Sheridan St, Cairns City QLD 4870ββ’β(07) 4030 7000
Townsville Police Station
134 Stanley St, Townsville QLD 4810ββ’β(07) 4759 9777
Central Queensland Region
Rockhampton Police Station
161 Bolsover St, Rockhampton QLD 4700ββ’β(07) 4932 3500
Mackay Police Station
57-59 Sydney St, Mackay QLD 4740ββ’β(07) 4968 3444
Southern Queensland Region
Toowoomba Police Station
161 Hume St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350ββ’β(07) 4631 6333
Ipswich Police Station
37 Ellenborough St, Ipswich QLD 4305ββ’β(07) 3437 2777
This is not a complete list of all Queensland Police Stations.
For a full directory, visit the official Queensland Police Service website or search via Google Maps.
Talk to VM Family Law
Dealing with police matters can involve complex legal issues β particularly in domestic violence, family disputes, or police complaints. If you need legal advice after contacting police, VM Family Law can help.
How VM Family Law Can Assist:
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Support for Domestic Violence Matters β Protection orders and legal advice after police reports.
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Help Preparing Police Reports β Guidance to ensure your report is clear, accurate, and properly submitted.
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Court Representation β Assistance with contravention proceedings or criminal-related family matters.
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Advice on Child Safety Issues β Legal support in cases involving Child Safety Service Centres or police-initiated protection reports.
If youβre facing a legal issue requiring police involvement, donβt handle it alone.
π Call VM Family Law on (07) 3447 8966 or visit vmfamilylaw.com.au for expert legal support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Report a Crime Anonymously?
Yes. You can report anonymously via Policelink or Crime Stoppers Queensland (1800 333 000).
How Long Does It Take to Get a Response from Policelink?
Online and phone reports are usually processed within a few days, depending on the investigation.
Are Queensland Police Stations Open 24/7?
Most major stations are open 24/7, while smaller regional stations may have limited hours.
Can I Make a Report on Behalf of Someone Else?
Yes, but written consent may be required unless the matter involves domestic violence or child protection.
How Do I Obtain a Criminal History Check in Queensland?
Submit an application to the Queensland Police Service Records Unit, along with the required identification and fee.
Can I Report Past Crimes to Policelink?
Yes. Historical or unresolved matters can be reported online or in person.
What If My Complaint Involves a Police Officer?
You can lodge a complaint via the QPS Ethical Standards Command, Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), or Legal Aid Queensland.
How Do I Contact Policelink in Queensland?
Call 131 444 for non-urgent police matters, visit the Policelink website, or use the mobile app.
How Do I Contact Local Police for Non-Emergencies?
Call 131 444 or visit your nearest Queensland Police Station (search online for the closest location).
Final Thoughts
Knowing when to call Policelink, visit a Queensland Police Station, or dial 000 ensures you get the right help quickly.
If your situation involves family violence, child safety, or a legal matter connected to a police report, professional legal advice is invaluable.
Call VM Family Law today on (07) 3447 8966 for a free consultation and trusted legal guidance.
