Police explain Ipswich Watchhouse closure following Covid-19 outbreak

After a Covid-19 outbreak at the Ipswich Watchhouse forced its closure, police were reportedly told to avoid arresting people and bail offenders where possible.

Police have responded to claims the Ipswich Watchhouse closed due to a Covid-19 outbreak and officers were told to avoid arresting people to prevent further exposure.

It was also alleged Ipswich police were told to let offenders free on bail “wherever possible”.

According to a police statement provided to the Queensland Times, the watchhouse was closed “for a short period of time” on Tuesday to allow for bailing of offenders and moving prisoners after two people tested positive for the virus.

“Four people have been arrested and processed through the Ipswich District Watchhouse between Tuesday and Wednesday,” a spokesman said.

“This is consistent with the same time period the day before when three people were arrested.”

The spokesman said “diversionary” processes were an active part of the Queensland Police Service strategy, but if an arrest was required to ensure community safety then a diversion was not offered.

“Ipswich District Police have been actively using diversionary processes, where appropriate, for a consistent period of time,” he said.

“While the temporary Ipswich Watchhouse closure is not a normal business practice there was no significant disruption to police services during this period.”

Police confirmed the Ipswich Watchhouse closed on Tuesday after two people tested positive for Covid-19. Picture: Rob Williams

The spokesman said on Thursday there was currently no operational impact on either the Ipswich Watchhouse or the Southport Watchhouse, as both districts worked to support Covid-positive people in their care.

“The QPS has undergone extensive planning in preparation for a widespread Covid-19 outbreak affecting its workforce,” he said.

“We operate with a flexible and borderless policing model – meaning staff can be redeployed across regions to ensure adequate resources to respond to calls for service.

“This has been executed effectively throughout the pandemic and will continue as the organisation is impacted by more Covid-19 cases.”

This comes after Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski revealed on Tuesday 89 staff members, including 68 police officers, were infected with Covid-19 and a further 180 were in isolation.

In addition, as at December 24, 100 police officers and 71 staff members have been suspended due to vaccine-related matters.

The virus is not only spreading through watchhouses and police forces but also through Queensland jails, with Queensland Corrective Services confirming on Wednesday that five people in custody — all new receptions from the community — had tested positive for the virus.