The families of two Queensland police officers, Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, who were tragically murdered in the deadly Wieambilla ambush on December 12, 2022, have spoken out following an inquest that revealed significant “operational failings” by Queensland police. The families believe that these failings may have contributed to the deaths of the officers, and that they could have been prevented if better procedures had been in place.
The inquest into the incident provided a harrowing account of the events that unfolded on that fateful day. Constables McCrow and Arnold were responding to a routine missing persons report when they were ambushed and fatally shot by Nathaniel, Gareth, and Stacey Train at a property in Wieambilla. The ambush also claimed the life of their neighbor, Alan Dare, who was killed by the Trains before the perpetrators themselves were ultimately shot dead following a protracted shootout with specialist police.
During the inquest, it was revealed that several critical lapses in operational procedures may have left the officers vulnerable. The families of McCrow and Arnold expressed deep frustration and grief, noting that these lapses represent a systemic failure that put the officers in an untenable and deadly situation.
“The inquest has exposed serious operational failings that we believe could have prevented this tragedy,” said a spokesperson for the families. “Our loved ones might still be with us today if not for these failures.”
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has come under scrutiny as a result of the inquest findings. Questions have been raised about the adequacy of the intelligence gathered before the officers were dispatched to the property, the decision-making processes that led to their deployment, and the level of support they received during the critical moments of the ambush.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll acknowledged the inquest’s findings and expressed her condolences to the families. “We recognize the gravity of the findings and are committed to reviewing and improving our operational procedures to ensure the safety of all our officers,” Commissioner Carroll stated.
The inquest has reignited a broader debate about the safety of police officers in the line of duty and the need for reforms within the Queensland Police Service to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The families of McCrow and Arnold have called for swift action to address the issues highlighted by the inquest and to implement changes that will protect other officers from facing similar dangers.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, their families remain resolute in seeking justice and accountability. The inquest has provided some answers, but it has also left lingering questions about how such a tragedy could have been avoided and what steps will be taken to prevent it from happening again.