Queensland Police constables Rachel McCrow, 29, and Matthew Arnold, 26, were shot dead alongside neighbour Alan Dare on December 12, 2022, while attending a remote bush property around 300km west of Brisbane.
The three were gunned down by conspiracy theorists Gareth and Stacey Train and Gareth’s brother Nathanial.
They have pleaded with the government to release the findings to help keep the police force safe.
“Although we never want this to happen again, sadly a police officer could be shot tomorrow because the communications or computer program does not work effectively, or information has not been passed on effectively,” the statement added.
Last year’s inquest examined key issues such as a lack of effective communication in regional issues and concerns around how interstate information is shared between police.
The families have also called for aerial drones to be used so officers can scope out the dangers of a property before attending.
A drone strategy is in place within Queensland Police, however is limited to specialist teams.
“How many other employers would accept that the lives of their staff are at risk without legislatively having to show effective risk reduction strategies?” the joint statement continued.
“Last year’s inquest exposed the evil acts which brutally ended Rachel and Matt’s hopes and ambitions and highlighted what we believe are serious operational failings that could have prevented this tragedy.”
The families of the slain officers want the coroner to recommend “fundamental interventions” to close the gaps identified during the inquest.
“The inquest only reminded us of the graphic and unimaginable nature of Rachel and Matt’s deaths and the systemic failings that allowed this tragedy to happen,” the statement ended.
“Please do everything you can to reduce risks to other families’ loved ones.
“Police officers are human beings who are trained to do their job however, they should also have risks reduced as much as possible.”
