VIOLENT offenders will be alcohol and drug tested under new laws designed to change the culture of alcohol and drug-fuelled violence.
Toowoomba City Patrol Group officer Inspector Mark Wheeler said anyone charged in public for serious violent offences would be tested for alcohol and/or drugs.
The laws came into effect on Monday.
Insp. Wheeler said if people charged were found to be under the influence of either, it would be seen as an aggravating factor when the person appeared before a magistrate or judge.
"When there is no alcohol detected... we can then do a drug test on them," Insp. Wheeler said.
A person would have to record a blood alcohol content reading of 0.15 per cent or higher to be judged as under the influence.
Drug testing would be conducted on saliva, blood or urine, depending on the circumstances.
New laws also mean people charged with lesser violent offences including affray, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm and obstructing police can be ordered by police to do drug or alcohol reform courses as a part of their bail conditions.
"This is about changing behaviour and culture and that violent, offensive or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated anywhere, particularly in the Safe Night Precinct."
What it means
- Police can now conduct drug and/or alcohol testing on anyone charged in a public place for committing grievous bodily harm, unlawful wounding, serious assault of a police officer or serious assault of a public officer.
- A judge or a magistrate can then impose a form of community service additional to the person's penalty for the violent offence.
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