Question
Can you explain the process for selection for substance misuse testing, how this is rolled out and how many tests are conducted per year (last 5 years) to include ‘random’ and ‘with cause’ testing?
In the last 5 years to date, how many officers have tested positive following a substance misuse test and what actions were taken as a result?
It has previously been reported in the media that officers called for drugs / substance misuse testing had shaved every hair from their body which meant that tests were abandoned as the test reported relied on analysis from hair samples. Is this still the case or has testing technology improved?
Answer
Random Testing
The random testing programme is managed by Professional Standards Department. Police officers, probationer constables, student officers and police staff or non-police personnel in security or safety critical roles are selected at random as part of the rolling programme of random testing within the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Officers, Staff and non-police personnel in the above categories who have undergone random screening twice in any 12-month period will not be subject to a third test in that 12-month period. Random testing will be undertaken by collection of a urine sample. Those required to undergo random testing will be required to provide a urine sample to an approved, qualified, external contractor using appropriate sample collections kits and observing industry and evidential standard chain of custody procedures.
‘With Cause’ Testing
The Detective Superintendent of Anti-Corruption & Vetting is responsible for assessing any intelligence in relation to drug misuse and authorising a ‘with cause’ drugs test. Every piece of intelligence will be assessed on its own merits.
Intelligence is evaluated based on whether there is any indication that the intelligence is false and/or malicious which would negate the requirement for a with cause drugs test.
The rationale for conducting with cause drugs tests for all serving officers are:
- To protect the organisation from the vulnerabilities associated with drugs misuse;
- To reassure the public and the police service that staff are not involved in criminality and/or breaching the code of ethics;
- To build public confidence in the integrity of the police service.
Total ‘With Cause’ and Random Sept 2017- Aug 2022 (All officers and staff): 518.
1st September 2017- 31st August 2018- 72
1st September 2018- 31st August 2019- 154
1st September 2019-31st August 2020- 126
1st September 2020- 31st August 2021- 39
1st September 2021- 31st August 2022- 127
Total Positive ‘With Cause’ and Random (Police Officers) 1st September 2017- 31st August 2022
5 - (4 With Cause and 1 random).
Hair Testing
European Work place Drug Testing Society (EWDTS) guidelines only cover urine, oral fluid and hair as specimen types for employee testing. As such, we are limited to collecting only these sample types as others such as nail clippings do not have sufficient scientific support or suitable cut-off concentrations to define a positive from a negative. If an individual has removed hair from their body and they do not have enough hair to provide a sufficient sample of body hair a urine remains the most suitable fall-back specimen although the window for detection is reduced.
In the last five years, there have been no officers or staff who have been selected for ‘with cause’ testing who have been unable to provide an adequate sample for testing purposes.
Random testing is undertaken using a urine sample and therefore a hair sample is not required.
Joanne Bunting - DUP