The Regina Police Service is asking the provincial government to reconsider its decision to leave front-line RPS officers and employees out of the initial stages of Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccinations.
The announcement that vaccinations are going to be administered, primarily, based on age means that these officers and civilians will not be protected, despite coming into regular contact with COVID-positive members of our community.
“We are disappointed in this decision,” says Chief of Police, Evan Bray. “Our front-line officers are being asked to help in situations where people who are COVID-positive, and a risk to the community, are refusing to isolate. This is in addition to our regular duties which often put us into contact with COVID-positive individuals.”
Within the Regina Police Service, these particular front-line members make up around 50 per cent of the organization or roughly 300 people. These men and women have thousands of interactions with the public each week. The interactions are dynamic and often unpredictable so officers are not able to consistently avoid COVID-19 exposure through the use of personal protective equipment.
“We agree that prioritization shouldn’t be for all police. It should, however, be done in a way that it gives our front line this immunization so that they can continue to safely protect our community,” adds Chief Bray.
COVID-19 has not reduced the need for community safety and we continue to work hard to provide consistent, safe service to the people of Regina throughout the pandemic.
The Regina Police Service has reached out to the provincial government in an effort to continue this important conversation.
