San Francisco has placed 76 of its police officers on paid administrative leave for failing to get the COVID-19 vaccine. That number is much lower than was expected.
Last week, it was reported that 120 holdouts would be taken off the job. There was a mad rush among some officers to receive their first vaccine before the deadline. The city extended the time period for those in between their first and second shots, according to KPIX 5. They now have until November 12th to complete their inoculation.
The 76 officers who refused the vaccine will need to appear for non-disciplinary hearings for release from employment, said Chief Bill Scott. San Francisco PD has over 2,000 sworn personnel.
San Francisco Police Officers’ Association President Tony Montoya says there is concern that the loss of 76 officers could still “impact the crime level.” Chief Scott says the department is confident it has the resources to keep the city safe.
San Francisco has some experience dealing with the abrupt loss of dozens of its officers. Last August, 83 members of the department were quarantined after an outbreak of COVID-19.