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Question and Answer Tracking Details

2189 - Police and Emergency Services - RANDOM BREATH TESTING (RBT) COVID-19 PROCEDURES

Shoebridge, David to the Minister for Finance and Small Business representing the Minister for Police and Emergency Services

(1) What current COVID-safe practices do NSW Police undertake when conducting Random Breath Testing?

(2) Are police observing social distancing requirements when conducting RBTs?

(a) If not, why not?

(3) Is the breathalyser required to be wiped down between tests?

(a) If not, why not?

(4) Are NSW Police trained on how to properly disinfect RBT equipment and safely conduct roadside testing between cars during the COVID-19 pandemic?

(a) If so, how is this training delivered?

(5) Is personal protective equipment (PPE) compulsory for police who are undertaking RBTs?

(a) If not, why not?

 
Answer -

I am advised:

(1) The NSW Police Force has issued specific COVID-safe directions to all police officers which must be followed when conducting Random Breath Testing (RBT). These directions include measures identified in your question, as well as additional measures such as

(a) washing hands and/or using hand sanitiser prior to the commencement of the RBT

(b) additional hand washing/sanitising no less than every 15 minutes while conducting RBT

(c) Officers advised not to handle physical drivers licences unnecessarily where other options such as photographing the document can be employed

(d) Avoiding leaning into vehicles, and maintaining at least 1.5 metres distance from occupants of vehicles during observation and wait times.

(2) Yes.

(3) Yes.

(4) Yes. This information is contained in both the Standard Operating Procedures and provided as part of the Infra-Red Breath Analysis Operators training program.

(5) Yes.

 

Question asked on 16 September 2020 (session 57-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 341
Answer received on 6 October 2020 and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 354

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