Tasmania Police has developed an Alcohol and other Drugs Policy for Tasmanian Police Officers.

The Policy, which will come into effect on 14 April 2014, aims to promote the responsible use of alcohol, prescription medication and licit drugs by Tasmania Police officers.

“Tasmania Police is committed to workplace health and wellbeing, and providing a safe working environment,” said Deputy Commissioner, Scott Tilyard.

“As part of this commitment, we have an obligation to ensure that while performing their duties, police officers of all ranks are not affected by alcohol or drugs,” he said.

“Under the policy, a program of random, targeted and incident-related alcohol testing will be undertaken. There will also be targeted and incident-related drug testing; random drug testing will be introduced pending amendments to the Police Service Act,” said Mr Tilyard.

“There has always been a requirement that police officers on duty, availability or standby for recall to duty are not to be affected by alcohol or drugs. Under the Policy ‘affected by alcohol’ is determined to be in excess of 0.02 grams of alcohol. This allows a level of discretion and flexibility.

“There is of course a zero tolerance on the illicit use of drugs.”

“Our obligations are also a legislative requirement – under the Workplace Safety legislation, we have a responsibility to eliminate or minimise risk in the workplace and this is one of those strategies.

“We also have an obligation to the community we serve to be free from impairing substances while on duty,” said Mr Tilyard.

The Alcohol and other Drugs Policy promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare of all officers as well as the integrity and reputation of the Tasmania Police Service. The consequences for testing positive for alcohol or illicit drugs range from counselling and support, to serious disciplinary action including dismissal, and court proceedings.