Police and emergency services reach thousands during compliance checks

ACT Policing with the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ACTESA) have this week connected with thousands of people as part of its COVID-19 response.

Since Friday 2 July, police have conducted more than 110 in-person compliance checks and stopped more than 1,350 drivers to speak with them about the current health orders. Police and emergency services have also made more than 8,000 calls checking on people under Stay at Home directions.

Today, a Sydney man has appeared before the courts charged with trespass and ACT health direction offences following an incident at Parliament House yesterday afternoon.

One fine has been issued for blatant non-compliance today.A Sydney woman, who was denied an exemption to be in the ACT, refused to leave following an ACT Health request. She has since left the ACT.

Most breaches detected have been minor and resolved swiftly after they were discovered. The community have reported 34 matters of non-compliance to ACT Policing since Friday.

Acting Deputy Chief Police Officer Hall O’Meagher said the help from ACT Emergency Services has been invaluable to keep ACT Policing officers out on the road.

“Ensuring our community and people coming to the ACT are aware and following the current health directions is something we must all work together to achieve,” Acting DPCO O’Meagher said.

“ACT Policing and the ACTESA have a strong record of working together during emergencies to ensure the Canberra community is safe, supported and informed. We’re thankful for ACTESA volunteers supporting our Taskforce for the COVID-19 response.”

ACTESA Senior Director Operational Coordination Cameron Beresford said volunteers from ACT State Emergency Service, ACT Rural Fire Service and ACT Fire & Rescue Community Fire Unit have worked tremendously hard to make contact with over 10,000 community members in the last two weeks.

“Thank you to those who are doing the right thing and following health directions to ensure the safety of the Canberra community,” Senior Director Beresford said.

For the most recent information on the ACT’s COVID-19 restrictions, visit the ACT COVID-19 site.

For general enquiries – including to make reports of non-compliance, contact the COVID-19 Helpline on 6207 7244 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week). For police assistance call 131 444 and only contact Triple Zero (000) for emergencies

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au