NT Police will not be conducting roadside random breath testing stations during the coronavirus pandemic.
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But police have assured citizens they will continue to target drivers who are doing the wrong thing on the roads including drink and drug driving.
As a response to COVID-19, police will not set up RBT stations but say they will still maintain a highly visible presence on Territory roads and continue to conduct random breath and drug tests.
Additional precautionary measures have been put in place to ensure officers and members of the community are safe.
These changes are being made in the interest of community safety and the recent health advice relating to the COVID-19 virus.
Assistant Commissioner Michael White said NT Police will not be using large scale RBTs in an effort to minimise the risk to officers and the public.
"Police will still be conducting random breath tests and are committed to prioritising the safety of the community and our members."
"This does not mean you will see less presence from police. Police will continue to enforce the road rules and apprehend anyone who is caught drink driving on NT roads."
Meanwhile, police command say they are constantly conducting COVID-19 related risk assessments and considering health advice to ensure the safety of our personnel and the community as the COVID-19 situation develops.
The assurance comes after the NT Police Association yesterday said its members wanted to know where they stood on the worsening coronavirus crisis.
Acting Northern Territory Police Association president Lisa Bayliss said members are frustrated by the lack of official information from the department regarding its formal response to the ongoing threat from COVID-19.
"We are in regular contact with the senior executive seeking updates on risk mitigation protocols and we understand a more detailed response is being prepared, but to date, our members haven't been given the answers to crucial concerns around; leave arrangements for self-isolation and members diagnosed with COVID-19, work from home provisions; the supply of Personal Protection Equipment and how it will be replenished, cleaning and decontamination procedures, pre-screening arrangements for high-risk areas, safe interaction with the public with regards to Front Counter, Watch House, RBTs and arrests," she said.
"This simply isn't good enough.
"The situation is developing rapidly and although there has only been one confirmed case of the virus in the Northern Territory, our members need to know the department has a solid plan to keep them and the community safe," Mrs Bayliss said.
Police command said: "All staff have been receiving emails since January from the Department of Chief Minister containing advice from the Department of Health.
"These emails have contained information about personal hygiene practices and other advice from health agencies.
"In addition to this, Police have been providing information to members via an Internal portal since March 9.
"This portal was promoted to all PFES staff via an Internal broadcast. As this is a rapidly evolving situation information is being updated regularly and members are being encouraged to fill in an enquiry form if there are any additional questions."
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