Windsor police officials urge members to refrain from using marijuana
Canada entered a new era of legal marijuana use on Wednesday — but Windsor police officers shouldn’t join it, according to a new “fitness for duty” policy touted by Chief Al Frederick.
“Members are strongly encouraged to abstain from the use of recreational drugs, at all times,” reads one of the directives of the internal policy, publicly released by Windsor police on Wednesday. In his announcement, Frederick was frank that the policy was spurred by the legalization of cannabis and “anticipated changes in the policing environment.” Frederick said the policy has been under development by WPS leadership for more than a year, including a lengthy review process by the Windsor Police Services Board.
Research on the impact of cannabis legislation in the workplace was challenging due to the lack of precedence — It’s “new to everyone,” Frederick noted.
“I am pleased to present a comprehensive policy based on the principles of the Windsor Police Service vision, mission, and values statement,” Frederick said. “These statements were designed, in part, to guide our organization and members during times of change.”
Besides calling for members to refrain from recreational drugs, the policy also discourages drinking alcohol “to the extent that such consumption may render the member unfit to report for duty.”
The policy’s first general directive says: “Upon reporting for work, all members are expected to be, and to remain, fit for duty at all times and to perform their work duties ... without any limitation arising from substance use or the after-effects of substance use that may pose risk to their health or safety, or that of any other person.” Although medical marijuana is not specifically addressed in the policy, there is a directive that all members “shall use medication responsibly, ensuring that their ability to perform work safely, competently, and efficiently is not impaired.”