Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll warns officers to get Covid-19 vaccine by October 5 or face suspension

Queensland police officers have been warned they will be suspended without pay if they don’t get their first Covid-19 vaccine shot within the next 13 days, as cops prepare for the “worst-case scenario when the country re-opens”.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll has told officers they will be suspended without pay if they haven’t had their first Covid-19 vaccine by October 5.

In an memo to officers last night she said the Delta variant of the virus meant people were in a vulnerable situation and she had a duty to protect both her officers and the public.

She said unless officers had an exemption, they must have one vaccination before October 5 and the second dose before January 24. They must provide proof to their superiors.

“From 5 October 2021, an employee who refuses to follow the direction will be immediately suspended from duty with pay,” Ms Carroll wrote.

“Where an employee is suspended from duty with pay, a notice to show cause process will be commenced in which an employee will be provided with seven (7) days to state why suspension without pay should not be implemented.”

Ms Carroll said police were now planning for “what may be a worst-case scenario when the country re-opens”.

“Just today (Tuesday), on our border with New South Wales, Tweed Heads has had to again go into lockdown due to an outbreak,” she said.

“To date, due to our preventative strategies we have only had limited incidents of COVID-19 in Queensland and there is no doubt you have played a key role in ensuring the success of these measures, however this will change when borders re-open.

Ms Carroll said Covid-19 was the leading cause of police officer deaths in the United States in the last 18 months.

“In the New York Police Department alone, they have had to deal with over 11,000 positive cases and 55 deaths, which has significantly impacted their operational capacity and capability,” she said.

“In the United Kingdom, almost 90 police officers have died of COVID-19, with the highest proportion of deaths occurring in those on the frontline.

“I know these statistics are confronting, and I extend my sincerest sympathies to all police and families worldwide affected by these tragedies. But we would be doing a disservice to those fallen members by not learning from their circumstances.”

Ms Carroll said police officers were more exposed to the risk of Covid-19 than most occupations as they were on the frontline.

Queensland Police officers arrive to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at the newly opened community vaccination hub at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Boondall. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“Recent modelling indicates the QPS has over 2 million contacts with the community annually,” she said.

“These interactions are often conducted in uncontrolled and sometimes volatile circumstances that routinely involve close proximity to members of the public, which further increases our risk of exposure. As such, I have a duty to protect both our employees and the broader community.

“As the medical specialists remind us about the Delta variant, it is so contagious that when you share air with someone, there is risk of contracting COVID. The vaccine is not just about protecting you, it is also about protecting your co-workers, your community, your friends and loved ones.

“Just this week, the NSW government revealed 89 per cent of people who have died from COVID-19 since March were either unvaccinated or had only received one dose.”

Queensland Police officer Senior Constable Daniel Horne receives the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

Officers can apply for exemptions for medical, religious or exceptional circumstances and provide documentation which will be considered by a vaccination exemption committee which has been established.

A medical exemption must include a report from a medical practitioner or specialist outlining the condition and medical reasons the officer has and why it makes it unsafe for the employee to receive the jab.

If it is for a religious reason they must include the teachings of the religion which prevent vaccination and confirm they are a current member or adherent of those religious teachings.

Assistant Commissioners or executive directors will review exemption applications before deciding whether to refer it to the vaccination committee.

Originally published as Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll warns officers to get Covid-19 vaccine by October 5 or face suspension