APCC Chair Paddy Tipping responds to the Covid-19 vaccine rollout second phase announcement
Mr Tipping said: “Police and Crime Commissioners have pushed hard for frontline officers and staff to be prioritised in the next phase of the vaccination programme. No-one wants to jump the queue over those most at risk - it was right that the most vulnerable in society were protected first - but we feel strongly that, of those who are yet to receive a first jab, police officers are now among the most vulnerable.
“Police officers cannot work from home. They cannot maintain distance from the public. Throughout the pandemic they have put themselves in harm’s way and, as the public’s patience with lockdown wanes, assaults on police officers are increasing.
“PCCs understand the position of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, but policing can help. Forces have trained staff who can perform vaccination. All we need are supplies of vaccines and we'll do the job. We will certainly to continue to pursue the matter next week with Ministers.”