Police union wants mandatory disease testing after needlestick injuries

The police union is pushing to change current laws that can expose frontline officers to serious risk of disease.

POLICE want disease test orders issued if officers get needlestick injuries or if they are exposed to exposed to bodily fluids even if there is no one arrested or charged.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the orders made against people at present only related to serious and sexual offences.

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But he said they should be extended to situations where an officer or emergency service worker was hurt, such as receiving a needlestick injury when searching a house.

In a letter written to Police Minister Mark Ryan obtained by The Sunday Mail, Mr Leavers also wants senior officers, independent of any investigation, to be able to grant the order.

Police can currently apply for disease test orders against alleged perpetrators, but they must be approved by magistrates in the courts.

“The Queensland Police Union considers the current provisions are extremely limited, and has concerns they do not apply to a wide range of offences and other circumstances where police officers, emergency service personnel, and members of the public are exposed to bodily fluids,” Mr Leavers wrote.

He said the Police Powers and Responsibilities Actneeded to be amended to provide cover to people who were victim of an offence, or in cases where no offence was committed but they were exposed to bodily fluids and were at risk of infection.

“Of necessity, this would include people who are subject to needle stick injuries,” he wrote.

“The QPU also believes it would be appropriate to provide access to testing for people who come to the aid or assistance of such a victim, and also to the aid of persons involved in traffic crashes, industrial accidents and other incidents involving an innocent bystander rending assistance to another member of the public.”

Mr Leavers said disease tests reduced stress and trauma for victims and were not admissible in court proceedings against an offender.

When asked of the proposal, Police Minister Mark Ryan said the welfare of officers was of paramount concern.

“It is an idea worthy of serious consideration,” he said.

“My intention is to discuss the suggestions put forward by the Union with my cabinet colleagues.”

Originally published as Police union wants mandatory disease testing after needlestick injuries