Scores of Victoria Police members face sack for ignoring vax mandate

Scores of Victoria Police members have been stood down for refusing to comply with the state’s Covid vaccine mandate.

A growing number of cops are facing the sack for refusing to get the jab.

Almost 100 police members have been stood down for disobeying the state’s vaccine mandate.

They include 74 police officers and 18 Protective Service Officers (PSOs).

In a statement, Victoria Police said the dissenting group is facing internal discipline and possible termination.

“Victoria Police is currently aware of 89 police officers and 16 PSOs who have not complied with the vaccination direction by the chief health officer (CHO) and by a specific Chief Commissioner’s Instruction,” a spokeswoman said.

“Police officers and PSOs who have chosen not to be vaccinated have been referred to Professional Standards Command for failing to abide by an instruction of the Chief Commissioner and subsequent disciplinary action, which may result in the members being terminated.”

More than 100 Victoria Police members have been stood down for not complying with the vaccine mandate.

Officers who have failed to comply with the mandate are forced to take accrued leave.

Disciplinary action against the officers has been set aside for late November.

When asked if the force would give members an ultimatum to get vaccinated or leave, Chief Commissioner Shane Patton told 3AW: “Pretty much, yeah”.

The Herald Sun previously revealed unfair dismissal claims have already been made to the Fair Work Commission by employees stood down over their refusal to get vaccinated.

However legal experts believe their claims will likely be unsuccessful given their employers are following public health orders.

Various police members have spoken out about their decision to quit the force over the jab rules.

Former Acting Senior Sergeant Krystle Mitchell, a sworn officer of 16 years, told internet program The Discernible Interviews she founded a group of about 200 officers who were against mandatory vaccinations.

“All of my friends that are police officers that are working the front line and are suffering every day enforcing CHO directions, that certainly the great majority don’t believe in and don’t want to enforce,” she said.

“I’m quitting too because I can’t remedy in my soul any more the way in which my organisation that I love to work for is being used and the damage that it’s causing in the reputation of Victoria Police and the damage that it’s causing to the community.”

Victoria Police distanced themselves from the former officer’s claims, saying her comments did not represent the force.