Policy on Substance Misuse
Police Officers are involved in many high-risk activities and have high levels of contact and interaction with the public. As an employer PSNI is required to provide a safe working environment and safe systems of working for both employees and those who are not in their employment but with whom they come into contact. This includes ensuring that staff are fit to carry out their duties safely and effectively.
Given the growing problem with substance misuse within our society, PSNI recognise that this is a culture that has the potential to impact upon PSNI as an organisation. Misuse of any substance impairs judgement, slows reactions and increases the potential for risk of injury to staff and others. In addition the use of illicit substances provides increased opportunities for compromise through either coercion or inducement, leaving staff and PSNI vulnerable and bringing into question the integrity of individuals.
As a result PSNI has introduced a substance misuse policy which includes testing of biological material for history of use of substances listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Therefore, all successful applicants will be required to undergo a drug-screening test prior to being offered an appointment as a police trainee with PSNI. The biological material to be sampled as part of the pre-appointment process will be hair. PSNI recognises that individuals may, in some instances, have objections based on religious beliefs or medical issues to the use of a particular biological sample such as hair. Where this is the case, applicants must inform the PSNI in writing in advance of the test date of why they object to providing a sample and the grounds for this objection.
Successful applicants will be expected to provide a sample of hair at least three centimetres in length. Where candidates have concerns regarding provision of three centimetres of hair, or have medical or religions reasons as outlined above, contact should be made in writing in advance of the test date to:
Substance Misuse Manager
Substance Misuse Unit
Criminal Justice
29 Knocknagoney Road
Belfast
BT4 2PP
If you fail to provide a sample on the day of the test this will be taken as a positive result.
However, you are advised that deliberately attempting to obstruct the process will be treated as failing the test, and no re-test will be provided in these circumstances.
Those who return a positive result will not be offered an appointment with the PSNI. This will not prevent applicants from applying for future recruitment programmes for PSNI when advertised. Details of the testing requirements and procedure will be provided to successful applicants prior to the test being carried out.
Please note that if you are recruited by the PSNI you could be the subject of random or with cause Substance Misuse Testing throughout your service and career. Given the highest standards of integrity which are expected of all our police officers, there is no place for the use of illegal drugs or misuse of legal drugs, either on or off duty by any police officer.