Grieving families of Wieambilla police officers reveal 'excruciating' wait
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The families of the two police officers who were fatally shot in Wieambilla in 2022 have described the “excruciating” 12-month wait for inquest recommendations.

Queensland Police constables Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26, were shot dead alongside neighbour Alan Dare on December 12, 2022, while attending a remote bush property around 300km west of Brisbane.

The three were gunned down by conspiracy theorists Gareth and Stacey Train and Gareth’s brother Nathanial.

Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were killed in the line of duty at Wieambilla in Queensland in 2022. (Supplied)

The trio were later killed by officers following an hour-long siege.

”What will it take for the Queensland Government, QPS and Police Union to actually do something about this disturbing situation?” Rachel’s mother, Judy McCrow, and Matthew’s parents, Sue and Terry Arnold, said in a joint statement.

“We are being told that police officers are still being forced to use their personal mobile phones because of poor reception on their radios.”

The families said it has been an “excruciating” year-long wait for recommendations from the inquest to be delivered.

Stacey Train Gareth Train Nathaniel Train Wieambilla
Stacey, Gareth and Nathaniel Train. (Supplied)

They have pleaded with the government to release the findings to help keep the police force safe.

“Although we never want this to happen again, sadly a police officer could be shot tomorrow because the communications or computer program does not work effectively, or information has not been passed on effectively,” the statement added.

Last year’s inquest examined key issues such as a lack of effective communication in regional issues and concerns around how interstate information is shared between police.

The families have also called for aerial drones to be used so officers can scope out the dangers of a property before attending.

A drone strategy is in place within Queensland Police, however is limited to specialist teams.

“How many other employers would accept that the lives of their staff are at risk without legislatively having to show effective risk reduction strategies?” the joint statement continued.

“Last year’s inquest exposed the evil acts which brutally ended Rachel and Matt’s hopes and ambitions and highlighted what we believe are serious operational failings that could have prevented this tragedy.”

The families of the slain officers want the coroner to recommend “fundamental interventions” to close the gaps identified during the inquest.

“The inquest only reminded us of the graphic and unimaginable nature of Rachel and Matt’s deaths and the systemic failings that allowed this tragedy to happen,” the statement ended.

“Please do everything you can to reduce risks to other families’ loved ones.

“Police officers are human beings who are trained to do their job however, they should also have risks reduced as much as possible.”

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