DPF Briefing
May 2004
DPF Stance on the Proposed Introduction of Random Drug & Alcohol Testing
As you may be aware the DPF had reserved it’s position in respect of the proposed introduction of Random Drug & Alcohol Testing for MDP Officers until such a time as we were fully aware of what was being tabled. That time is now and at a recent RD&AT Working Party meeting a DPF Statement was handed to the Official Side spelling out clearly our stance over this issue. This statement is reproduced as follows:
“The DPF cannot currently support the introduction of
Random Drug & Alcohol Testing within the MDP for serving officers.
There are several reasons behind this rationale; firstly that the proposed introduction of the testing is under Health & Safety legislation (Safety Critical Roles), and as such should take account of all substances that could inhibit the work of employees. However at this moment we are informed that the only drug related substances to be tested for will be illegal drugs. This asks the question: “Is this an integrity test under another name?”
Secondly, the testing will only prove to be divisive as it will be limited, in the first instance, to MDP Police Officers, and then only those in a nuclear guarding capacity. In our opinion there are many other posts, both uniform and civilian which fulfil the criteria of ‘Safety Critical’.
Thirdly, that there has been no real explanation of the system to be adopted in the circumstances where a positive sample is produced. Given the mistakes and litigation within the sporting world, this will obviously prove to be the most difficult area to negotiate.
Finally in the area of alcohol testing, we the Defence Police Federation believe that the current procedures held within PPM’s is more than sufficient to deal with these instances, and additionally are concerned that a limit will be placed on alcohol content in the subject’s system, when at this moment in time each case is evaluated on its own merits.
In closing, although we cannot condone any misuse of drugs and/or alcohol, without solid reassurances and a complete policy
on aftercare, which is acceptable to our members, we cannot support the implementation of Random Drug and Alcohol Testing.”
