Substance misuse policy
Police officers and staff 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.
The PSNI recognise that a substance misuse culture 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. The use of illicit substances provides increased opportunities for compromise through coercion or inducement, leaving staff and the PSNI vunerable and bringing into question the integrity of individuals.
The 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.
Those who return a possitive result will not be offered an appointment with the PSNI.
Full details of testing requirements and procedure will be provided to successful applicants prior to the test being carried out.
Integrity is central to the day-to-day work of all police officers and police staff as we play our part in trying to make Northern Ireland safer.
