08:40 am, Thursday 4 February, 2010

Talks between the SA Police Association and Commissioner Mal Hyde have led to a new drug and alcohol policy, subjecting police officers to testing on on duty.

The changes were approved by Cabinet on 25 January 2010. They are expected to be introduced at the end of the year if the Government is re-elected on March 20.

Under the proposal, officers suspected of taking drugs or drinking alcohol while on duty will be tested.

There will also be mandatory testing in certain situations, such as in the events of a discharge of a firearm, high-risk driving and after a workplace accident.

Refusal to provide a specimen for testing will result  in disciplinary action.

Under the new policy, testing will now be a prerequisite for anyone applying to join the police force.

Similar drug and alcohol testing are already in place in NSW, Queensland and Tasmania and by the Australian Federal Police.

Police Association SA president Mark Carroll said the issue was about the safety of its members and of the community.

“The circumstances applicable to mandatory testing will be legislated and include those cases in which police officers take part in high-risk driving or use their firearms,” he said.

“Testing of this type will serve to reassure the community and underscore the professionalism for which SA police are known.”

Police Minister Michael Wright said the policy aims to strengthen public confidence in police even more.

“It is imperative SAPOL ensures all steps are taken to prevent and deter any potential incidence of drug use in the workplace,” he said. “Police have the right to lawfully use force, even lethal force if necessary.

“It’s therefore important that the community is assured that anybody with those rights is not under the influence of drugs.”

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know