The Queensland Police Service has suspended all non-essential training as well as scheduled operational skills training and will deploy training officers onto the frontline.

According to last year’s QPS operational procedures manual, operations skills training involves “holistic use of force training” including the use of Tasers, Service Pistols, First Aid and how to deal with active armed offenders.

In a statement on Wednesday night, Queensland police said the training suspension aimed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and would take effect from Thursday.

“This will bring the QPS in line with other national jurisdictions who are taking similar precautions to protect their workforce,” the police service said in a statement.

“These changes are not expected to have any impact on our operational readiness or capacity and the decision has been made to minimise health risks to our staff.”