Cleveland Police Chief Constable calls for the force’s staff to be prioritised in receiving the Covid-19 vaccine

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis says that other front line workers, such as police officers, should be next on the priority list for a vaccine after NHS workers, the elderly, the clinically vulnerable and care sector staff.

Mr Lewis highlights that staff at Cleveland Police have continued with their roles over the last year despite the Covid-19 pandemic posing a challenge to them.

He has called for them to be supported for their efforts by vaccinating them against the virus as “early as possible”.

The demand comes as the Mail is urging the Government – through our ‘A Shot In The Arm’ campaign to use the country’s 11,000 local pharmacies to help rollout the Covid vaccine to all as quickly and as close to people’s homes as possible.

The Chief Constable said: “Over the course of the last twelve months I have seen the courage and dignity of police officers and police staff members as they fight their own battles with Covid-19 and serve their communities as emergency responders and in control rooms.

“Today our staff face an unseen but no less present threat to their health and wellbeing; Covid-19.

“Despite the threat, officers and staff continue to work within communities and whilst protected by Personal Protective Equipment, they do not have the option of working from home or limiting their contact with the public whilst at work.

"Our work continues regardless every day, to protect vulnerable victim of crime and deal with the public’s concerns. Amongst these victims are those that suffer domestic abuse that we safeguard.

"This is a task that our front line staff do willingly and with no complaint; supporting communities. It is now time that we do what we can to support them in return and vaccinate them against this awful disease.

"The prioritisation to vaccinate those most at risk from succumbing to covid-19 (including the NHS, the elderly, care home staff and those with serious health concerns) is beyond reproach. It is clearly the right thing to do.

“I would urge those that make decisions on prioritisation for vaccination next consider our brave front line staff.”

Chief Constable Lewis also explained that officers working within the community could contract the disease and unknowingly bring it home to their families and therefore put them at risk, especially if they are vulnerable.

He added: “After they’ve worked, they return to their families not knowing if the interactions they’ve had in support of communities during their shifts mean that they are silent carriers of Covid-19 and the danger that poses to vulnerable members of their families.

“Indeed, our staff themselves could be vectors of the disease when interacting with the public so this call is also to help protect communities as well as our staff.

"The list of those that are worthy of early vaccination is long and I do not envy those that must decide on a prioritisation list; it must be a most difficult task.

"However, we can show our support for front line staff by vaccinating them as early as possible (amongst those that need prioritisation) so we can continue to serve the community safely.”

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