Random Drug Testing

Could you please tell me whether your force has introduced random drug testing as part of the Police Advisory Board for England and Wales recommendations adopted by the Home Office in 2005 and in what ways you follow it (how many people are tested? how often? any other self-imposed guidelines?

Home Office Circulars

Could you let me know how many officers have been tested since this was introduced, broken down year by year until the most recent data.

Could you tell me how many tested positive for illegal substances

What were the drugs they tested positive for (ecstacy, cocaine etc)

If applicable: could you tell me what happened to the individual officers who tested positive - were they suspended? sacked? disciplined and remained in their job? or something else?

In accordance with section 1(1) (b) of the Act our response is provided below;

Question 1

Random testing is carried out in the following circumstances

• Probationer Police Officers for the duration of their probation period including any extension to probation.
• Police Officers and staff in safety critical and vulnerable posts.

Testing was introduced in this Force 2009

Question 2

2009/10 - 22 officers

2010/11 - 15 officers to date

Question 3

None

Question 4

• Amphetamines (including ecstasy)
• Cannabis
• Cocaine
• Opiates (e.g. morphine and heroin) and
• Benzodiazepines

Question 5

N/A