Calls for Derbyshire's frontline police officers to be offered the Covid-19 vaccination as a priority

CC Rachel Swann, joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa, has written a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Priti Patel and Home Secretary Matt Hancock.

She said: “We know that the new variant of Covid-19 is more transmissible and spreading faster than it was previously. The role that the police do means that by necessity, officers and staff are putting themselves at risk every day, often being in close contact with victims or offenders in whatever circumstances they find themselves in. They cannot shy away from doing this, but it also offers an increased risk which should not simply be part of the job.

“Policing and keeping people safe is an essential part of fighting this virus. Officers and staff cannot stay at home, crime still happens and we need to be there to tackle it.

Derbyshire police have issued more than 300 coronavirus fines since last March

“While there is a regular supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), officers and staff are not immune from catching the virus. The vaccine offers additional protection and reassurance for them.

“My officers and staff are very aware of what they need to do should they experience symptoms, however for many people they are asymptomatic. Our frontline roles mean we could be unknowingly passing it on to others. Vaccination and regular testing are vital to prevent this.

“We are backing calls from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to bring forward vaccinations in policing, once those at greatest risk and NHS staff have been protected.

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“The impact of an officer or staff member contracting the virus while on duty, and potentially spreading it to vulnerable people needing our help or across a whole shift is huge."

This month Derbyshire constabulary faced criticism for fining two women in the south of the county for driving into the countryside for a socially distanced walk.

It has since been confirmed that the behaviour of the two women was not illegal.

Hardyal Dhindsa, Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I believe that early vaccinations should be given to those officers, and staff, who are working on the frontline – that’s those who are coming into contact with members of the public.”