Decline in virus cases at LAPD
Chief says every employee who wants vaccine will have it by the first week of May.
As COVID-19 vaccinations have ramped up at the Police Department, the number of infections has dropped sharply.
Coronavirus infections among personnel of the Los Angeles Police Department have dropped off precipitously as vaccinations continue to ramp up, according to figures provided Tuesday by Chief Michel Moore.
In the last week, 11 LAPD staff members tested positive for the coronavirus: five sworn officers and six civilian employees, Moore told the L.A. Police Commission. That is a fraction of the number of weekly infections that occurred during the winter peak in Los Angeles; the decline is in line with a broad drop in cases citywide.
As of Tuesday, at least 4,571 police personnel — 36.5% of the department’s total of 12,520 — had received one of two Moderna vaccine shots, Moore said. At least 2,473 — about 19.75% of the department — had received both doses, Moore said.
Moore said every officer or LAPD civilian employee who wants the vaccine should have the opportunity to receive both doses by the first week of May. He said the department’s goal is to get all personnel vaccinated, and it is continuing a campaign to share information about the efficacy and safety of the vaccine with officers who are hesitant to get it — who represent 20% to 30% of the department, he said.
Moore said officers who become infected are being asked to wait 60 to 90 days to receive vaccinations.
In total, more than 2,650 LAPD personnel have tested positive for the virus. More than 2,500 have returned to work. Eight have died. As of Tuesday, 158 officers were in convalescence or recovery, Moore said.
Activists have criticized the department for not enforcing mask use and other safety requirements among officers. The department has acknowledged multiple investigations into incidents of officers not wearing masks but has not provided information on the outcome of those investigations.