We agree with the statement that drug testing makes sense in this editorial in the New Jersey Hills Media.
A new edict from the state attorney general requiring random drug testing for all law enforcement officers makes perfect sense. [R&A comment – A random drug testing program sends a very powerful message to the workforce that an employer will not tolerate the use of drugs in an illegal manner.]
Law enforcement officers, from the State Police on down to municipal police, are sometimes called on to make life and death decisions and the last thing the public needs is an officer whose decision is tinged by an addiction to drugs or alcohol. [R&A comment – Similarly, your employees, if under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol may cause injury to other members of the workforce or members of the public while performing duties of their job. Also, their decision making may jeopardize the financial health of your organization.]
The article makes one prescient observation when it is reported that the only ones who will disagree with the testing are those who have something to hide.
The key will be to find constructive ways to respond to officers who test positive for drugs. The test results should be confidential, and offices should be offered counseling and further treatment if needed. Officers should be placed on medical leave while undergoing treatment. [R&A comment – We have written here about the importance of an Employee Assistance Program in a drug and alcohol testing program.]
Those who refuse treatment or relapse and show dirty tests should receive harsher treatment.
Drug testing among law enforcement is nothing new. The new aspect is that it is now mandatory, and the frequency of the random tests are spelled out.
The new drug testing policy requires that every police agency conduct random drug testing at least once in 2018, and at least twice in every subsequent calendar year, and that at least 10 percent of the officers within an agency be tested each time.
Officers to be tested are randomly selected through a special computer program. Officers who test positive for illegal drug use must be suspended immediately from all duties pending termination of their employment.
In Mount Olive, blood tests were required if there is “reasonable suspicion” that an officer is abusing drugs.
The directive also requires the county prosecutors to further monitor so-called “early warning” actions to help identify officers at risk for harmful behavior and mandate remedial programs for them before their conduct escalates.
James P. Randisi, President of Randisi & Associates, Inc., has been helping employers protect their clients, workforce and reputation through implementation of employment screening and drug testing programs since 1999. This post does not constitute legal advice. Randisi & Associates, Inc. is not a law firm. Always contact competent employment legal counsel. Mr. Randisi can be contacted by phone at 410.494.0232 or Email: info@randisiandassociates.com or the website at randisiandassociates.com
