Western police services work to cement pot policies
With cannabis legalization only weeks away, workplace policies relating to use of the drug vary widely for police services across Western Canada.
The Calgary Police Service has presented an abstinence policy for cannabis use, both on and off-duty.
The service said police officers in Alberta are bound by the Police Service Regulations, where it’s stated: “a police officer shall not engage in consumption or use of liquor or drugs in a manner that is prejudicial to duty.”
The service added that “due to the unpredictable way cannabis may affect individuals, the inherently dangerous and unpredictable nature of policing, the obligations and duties to protect public safety and workplace safety, the service has determined that abstinence is the best approach.”
Despite that, Calgary police will review the policy on an annual basis “in conjunction with the most up-to-date medical studies and best practices.”
Calgary Police Association president Les Kaminski said he expects the service will change the policy.
“I think the service took the path of least resistance — we know the policy is probably going to change,” he said. “The problem is we are in uncharted territory. There is no case law, there is no precedent.”
Kaminski said the key factor when it comes to officers and their preparedness to work is fit for duty.
“Fit for duty — that’s the keyword. If a member gets drunk on Friday night at a wedding and comes to work next Wednesday, he’s fit for duty. We don’t believe it’s any different with cannabis.”
He added if a person wanted to consume cannabis before a shift, it would be no different than consuming alcohol.
“The difference being is there’s no technology available that can measure levels of THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) and the effects of THC, because there is residual THC,” Kaminski said.
Much like the Edmonton Police Service, the RCMP have said they have no policy in place but are working on one.
The Saskatoon Police Service, too, said in a statement they currently don’t have a stance on the matter, but that there have been preliminary discussions surrounding one.
The Vancouver Police Department, however, is taking a different stance than their Calgary counterparts when it comes to officers consuming cannabis.
Const. Jason Doucette with the Vancouver police said they will combine cannabis use into existing alcohol and prescription drug policies.
“Our officers will be provided with information surrounding cannabis use and potency etc., and it will be their responsibility to ensure they show up fit for duty,” Doucette said.
In addition, the department’s officers will receive online training through the Canadian Police Knowledge Network on federal legislation, as will officers across the nation. Training around cannabis impairment at the workplace for Vancouver officers will surround the latest research on the use of the drug.
“We want to provide our officers with the latest information so they can make an informed decision when it comes to cannabis use and being fit for duty,” said Doucette.
Postmedia reached out to the Lethbridge Police Department and Regina Police Department for comment, but nothing was immediately provided.