Police ordered to get the jab

QUEENSLAND police officers have been given less than five weeks to receive their first Covid vaccination, after their boss issued strict orders in a statewide email to staff.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll on Thursday ordered all members of the Queensland Police Service to get their first vaccine by October 4. Staff must be fully vaccinated against the virus by January 23.

In the internal all-staff email, Ms Carroll said that as Commissioner she had obligations to all officers and staff, as well as to the greater Queensland community.

“In the face of this public health emergency, it is critical I meet three of these obligations,” she said.

“I must maintain a safe workplace so police officers and staff members can come to work and be secure in the knowledge that all health and safety requirements are met.

“I must maintain a workforce that is capable of meeting the statutory requirements to deliver police services to the community of Queensland.

“I must maintain workplaces and a workforce the community of Queensland is confident does not put them at risk when dealing with members of the Queensland Police Service.

“It is my intention to meet these three obligations with a fully vaccinated workforce in all QPS workplaces by January 23, 2022.

“The implementation of this intent is to be achieved over the next five months.”

Ms Carroll made clear that if her staff were unable to be vaccinated by that date due to legal exemptions, they must abide by other orders, including wearing a mask in indoor spaces, including the car, while on duty.

On Thursday it was unclear what ramifications police may face if they disobey the order.