Retired officer reveals biggest challenge facing police

A retired officer has revealed what he thinks needs to change in the Gold Coast police.

With four decades of experience behind him, retired inspector Bruce Kuhn has called for reform, saying the biggest hurdle officers face today is not related to equipment or determination, but rather the excessive bureaucracy and paperwork that keep them confined to their desks.

Kuhn witnessed significant societal and policing changes during his 40-year tenure.

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"In the '80s it was a very different policing world and a very different society," he said.

"I'm so glad that DV is now given the priority it deserves.

"Years ago it was not given this priority given to it and there were some atrocious things happening at home."

Kuhn's main concern these days lies in the overwhelming paperwork that stops police from actively responding to and preventing crime.

"If we detect crime as occurring, we are ready to respond to that," he said.

"But what's hurting our people is the amount of paperwork that is involved."

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To address the pressing issue, Kuhn has called for a modernised approach to policing.

"We need a refresh, we can't just have the people working in the old ways of doing things," he said.

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.