Mandatory blood tests for police officers ‘heavy handed’

Mandatory blood testing for police officers is being slammed as “heavy handed” and “a trust problem”.

The Herald can reveal a new general instruction was given to all officers across the country yesterday.

In an incident where a firearm is used, and police bosses deem a person could have been injured, officers will now be required to give a blood sample to test for alcohol and drugs.

A person would not need to have been actually shot or injured for the sample to be required.

Officers legally have the right to refuse giving the sample, but have been warned that would be considered serious misconduct, and could lead to dismissal.

Police Association president Chris Cahill said an argument could be made for urine testing, but blood testing was invasive.

The union was hoping further talks with police bosses would lead to a switch to urine testing instead.

“Urine testing is more internationally accepted, and much more appropriate for the workplace environment.”

He said he was disappointed by the strong language in the memo, and threat of dismissal. “There is no legislative requirement for them, so it does come down to an employment and a code of conduct issue.”

Cahill said there hadn’t been any recorded problems with officers under the influence of drugs or alcohol before the change was brought in.

Police deputy chief executive of people Kaye Ryan said the directive was formalising what had previously been a voluntary system.

Staff who refused the test would be subject to “an employment process”, which she said would be treated on a case by case basis.

“The formalised drug and alcohol testing process brings us into line with many other Police jurisdictions and other safety-critical industries where it is vital that staff in safety-sensitive roles are not impaired by drugs or alcohol and therefore put themselves or others at risk,” Ryan said.

“It is also in keeping with the safety principles that apply to the licensed use of firearms by the general public.”

Labour police spokesman Stuart Nash said the approach was “very heavy handed. It almost seems as if they don’t trust the police to use good judgment. I know that every time an officer shoots someone, there’s a full investigation.”

Nash said random drug testing would be understandable, but this new rule was “most strange”.

“If there were suggestions that Armed Offenders Squad members were using drugs, or had turned up to work drunk, or were even misusing legal prescriptions, then yeah we would have reasons to be concerned.

“But there’s never been that concern. I’m baffled.”