Calls for frontline officers to be offered the Covid-19 vaccination as a priority and staff
Derbyshire’s Chief Constable and Police Crime Commissioner are calling on the Government to consider issuing frontline police officers and staff with the Covid-19 vaccination as a priority.
CC Rachel Swann, joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa, has written a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Health Secretary Matt Hancock with the request to be considered.
She said: “We know that the new variant of Covid-19 is more transmissible and spreading faster than it was previously. The role that the police do means that by necessity, officers and staff are putting themselves at risk every day, often being in close contact with victims or offenders in whatever circumstances they find themselves in. They cannot shy away from doing this, but it also offers an increased risk which should not simply be part of the job.
“Policing and keeping people safe is an essential part of fighting this virus. Officers and staff cannot stay at home, crime still happens and we need to be there to tackle it.
“While there is a regular supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), officers and staff are not immune from catching the virus. The vaccine offers additional protection and reassurance for them, not only preventing them from catching the virus but thereby preventing passing it on to others, including their families, colleagues and the public.
“My officers and staff are very aware of what they need to do should they experience symptoms, however for many people they are asymptomatic. Our frontline roles mean we could be unknowingly passing it on to others. Vaccination and regular testing are vital to prevent this.
“We are backing calls from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to bring forward vaccinations in policing, once those at greatest risk and NHS staff have been protected.
“The impact of an officer or staff member contracting the virus while on duty, and potentially spreading it to vulnerable people needing our help or across a whole shift is huge.
“I am asking the Government to bring forward the vaccination plans for frontline policing to allow us to keep our people virus-free, in order to continue to keep the public safe.”
The call for all frontline officers and staff is also backed by Derbyshire's Unison branch and the county's branch of the Superintendents’ Association.
Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I believe that early vaccinations should be given to those officers, and staff, who are working on the frontline – that’s those who are coming into contact with members of the public. To do so would provide protection not only to those working in these roles but also to the wider public who came into contact with them.
“It is often said that the police are those who are expected to run towards danger. Never could this be truer than with the unseen adversary we have in the Covid 19 virus.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger Goes Digital Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets can now be purchased through an app, making them more convenient for bus and train users. read more | |
| Young Person Travel Discount Scheme Extended For Another Three Months Derbyshire County Council's b_line 3 card, which offers discounts for those aged from 19 up to their 22nd birth read more | |
| Care Home Sale Update Plans are being revised for the future of eight Derbyshire care homes after a planned sale fell through. read more | |
| Derby Residents Urged To Have Their Say In Two Consultations Consultations have been launched into future options for two services delivered by Derbyshire County Council. read more | |
| Over 350 New Objections Add Momentum to Fight Against Major Green Belt Housing Estate The Save Kilburn and Horsley Green Belt (SKHGB) committee has handed in more than 350 new objec read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
