Emergency Services
No one is above substance abuse, and this includes our trusted public servants in the police, fire and ambulance emergency services. The evidence is clear. The UK is amidst a social epidemic of drugs misuse and with levels of cocaine and other stimulants abuse such as amphetamine (often the drug of choice for shift workers) continually on the increase; the problem is spiralling out of control. Research evidence suggests that up to twenty two percent of the workforce may be using illegal substances – the biggest market being the 16 to 29 year old male, and closely followed by females with a similar age profile. So why should we think our emergency service employees are all “drug free”?
Anyone who misuses alcohol or drugs is at risk of harm. It is not possible to identify a specific type of person who may be a possible problem drinker or drug misuser.
The Police Service is committed to providing a safe, healthy and productive working environment. Misuse of alcohol and drugs can lead to reduced efficiency, increased risk of accidents, increased sick leave and potential misconduct problems. This can have serious consequences for individuals and their families and it is costly for the Police Service. It is for these reasons that the Association of Chief Police Officers have developed a drugs and alcohol policy.
The Association of Chief Police Officers does not approve of the excessive or inappropriate use of alcohol or the misuse of drugs, whether illegal or prescribed. Possessing and supplying illegal drugs are criminal offences. Metropolitan police officers are tested for drugs as part of a wide-ranging clampdown on possible substance abuse. Scotland Yard confirmed that police staff, community support officers and special constables are all open to tests. Probationers are also subject to screening, as are officers in "specialist and safety critical areas".
In 2006 mandatory drug testing came into force within North Wales Fire and Rescue Service following a review of the Service's substance misuse policy, which called for compulsory but compassionate drug testing to assist in providing a safe and healthy working environment. Saliva testing was used for detecting substance misuse and a calibrated meter similar to the one used by police used to check whether any alcohol was in the system. Everyone employed by North Wales Fire and Rescue Service is subject to both random and due cause testing. Mid Wales Fire and Rescue Service adopts unrinalysis as their chosen method of detection; with whom ScreenSafe UK works very closely in delivering this service.
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