Drug testing for Humberside

Senior officers from Humberside Police have become the first in the force to undergo drug testing.

The move is the start of a policy to conduct random substance misuse testing among officers undertaking critical roles where there would be a significant risk if they were subject to substance misuse.

This means they can be tested if they work in a environment which is deemed safety critical or specialist. Testing will be conducted among those who are firearms trained, work in the drug squad, test purchasing, divers, POLSA teams, drivers, motorcyclists and dog handlers.

All applicants who want to join the force will also be required to undertake pre-employment drug screening as part of a medical assessment.

Random testing can also take place on any member of staff where there is cause or reasonable suspicion that someone’s performance at work is being impaired by alcohol or drugs.

If a positive sample is taken in any test it will be sent to a laboratory for a full analysis and consideration will be made about suspension from current role and the incident will be investigated and disciplinary procedures may follow.

Chief Constable Tim Hollis, who took part in a test, said: “Given our unique role in society of enforcing the criminal law and protecting the public, quite understandably people expect the police to meet high standards of behaviour. As Chief Constable I am committed to achieving those standards and to ensure a safe, healthy and productive work environment for all my staff.”

Mr Hollis said that in “setting the standard and providing the up-front leadership that is the style of Humberside Police” chief officers and other senior staff agreed to take the tests.