Police across Australia and the Southwest Pacific paid tribute today to fallen officers.

In Queensland, 139 officers have lost their lives since the State’s Police Force was formed in 1864.

David De Witt reports.

TRANSCRIPT

This morning hundreds of officers marched from Police Headquarters to a packed memorial service at the Albert Street Uniting Church.

Premier Campbell Newman and Police Minister Jack Dempsey joined officers past and present and family members for an emotional service described as the most significant day in the police calendar.

This morning’s service carried extra significance for Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson. It’s his last before retirement.

The Commissioner says losing officers in the line of duty is the worst thing that could happen. Eight have died during his 12 years as top cop.

Bob Atkinson, Queensland Police Commissioner: “It’s a strange thing in a way because even though we know that risk and danger is ever present, it’s unthinkable and unimaginable for us.”

This year in other jurisdictions, five officers have been killed in the line of duty, but thankfully here in Queensland no officers have lost their lives.

The Police Minister says he’s proud of the state’s force and warned they would never shy away from their duty.

Jack Dempsey, Queensland Minister for Police: “Please just understand if you partake in any kind of anti-social behaviour or do any offences against people of Queensland, the full force of the law is there.”

David De Witt, QUT News.