Council warns about officers being impersonated

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Officer impersonated: Bundaberg Regional Council is urging residents to report any suspicious behaviour regarding Council officer impersonation.
Bundaberg Regional Council is urging residents to report any suspected impersonation of Council officers.

Bundaberg Regional Council is urging residents to report any suspicious behaviour following two recent incidences of officers being impersonated.

The warning comes after complaints were made by the general public regarding an unknown person impersonating a member of Council's Animal Control team.

Portfolio spokesman Cr Scott Rowleson said the information had been passed on to the Queensland Police Service.

He said Council staff were trained to follow particular protocol and reminded residents to report any suspicious behaviour.

“Animal Control officers will comply with the following process when interacting with public members,” he said.

“Officers must introduce themselves, must show their identification, they will be wearing a Council-issued uniform and will be driving a Council vehicle with a Bundaberg Regional Council logo on both doors.”

Officer impersonation illegal

Cr Rowleson said Animal Control staff worked hard in their field and the impersonation of a staff member was disturbing.

“Impersonating an officer is illegal,” he said.

“Our Animal Control team have a tough enough job as it is, so to have someone trying to undermine their work is just not on.”

Cr Rowleson said if residents had any doubts about the authenticity of an officer in attendance they should contact Bundaberg Regional Council on 1300 883 699.

“Council will then direct them to the Queensland Police Service if required,” he said.

“If your call is after hours, please contact police.”