General News
2 April, 2026
Top cop farewells service
THE Far North’s top cop has retired after 42 years in the police service.
Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius was appointed to the top role in July 2018.
During his service, Assistant Commissioner Schafferius oversaw major crime operations, disaster management responses, cultural changes and leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership and strong community connections.
Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said the highlight of his riveting career had been working with incredible people in the Far North.
“Looking back on my service, I am incredibly proud of the work done by officers and staff in this region, most of which goes unnoticed by the public,” he said.
“From my early days in the Cairns Drug Squad and Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch, my fondest memories have been serving the wonderful communities in the Far North.”
He said he was leaving the service with pride.
“I am leaving the service proudly, with a smile on my face and confident that policing and community safety in the Far North is in safe hands.
“I wish my colleagues and their families long, happy, and healthy futures.”
After being sworn into the QPS in July 1985, he was appointed a constable in Townsville before being transferred to Wynnum.
He spent time as an investigator at the Chandler Juvenile Aid Bureau before serving in the Cairns Drug Squad and the Mareeba Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) as a Detective Senior Constable.
He was promoted to the rank of Detective Sergeant in 1998 and was the team leader of the Cairns Drug Squad and later the officer-in-charge of the Mareeba CIB.
In 2000, he was promoted to Detective Senior Sergeant and spent time at the State Drug Investigation Group in the State Crime Operations Command, before becoming the officer-in-charge of the Ipswich Police Station.
As an Inspector, he spent time providing support to the Southern Regional Assistant Commissioner, before becoming the Toowoomba District Inspector and then Detective Inspector.
In 2011 he was prompted to Superintendent and served as the District Officer of the Brisbane Central District.
Following the QPS restructure in 2013, he served as the Assistant District Officer in the Far North.
Before being appointed Assistant Commissioner, he served as the Chief Superintendent, District Officer of the Far North.
