08-16 Fitness for Duty

Question 1

What is the Rationale?

Answer 1

The Toronto Police Services Board (Board) and the Toronto Police Service (Service) are committed to providing a workplace that is safe to all members. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility between the Board and the Service and its employees, Service members.
The Service also has a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to protect the public and Service members from potential harm. To that end, it is vital that members perform their duties free from any impairment that could hinder their ability to work safely and competently. Cannabis impairment is different for every individual and can be influenced by how cannabis is ingested [source: Health Canada]. The requirement to be fit for duty includes being free from potential impairment that can occur for a considerable amount of time post-cannabis consumption.
Current studies indicate the risk of occupational exposure to Cannabis for Service members is low. Second and third hand smoke is not likely to create a reportable exposure and impairment due to the length of time and conditions required for any effects to be realized. Studies have shown that it can take upwards of four (4) hours of continuous exposure in an unventilated space where multiple smokers are actively smoking to show second hand absorption.

Question 2

Procedure
This procedure is specific to members who are directed to attend the Wellness Unit for a fitness for duty assessment. Members voluntarily seeking assistance for an issue are encouraged to seek help. Resources available include contacting the Service’s ______. Members are reminded that concerns about work performance deficiencies, separate from a member’s fitness for duty, SHALL be addressed in compliance with_____.

Answer 2

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, which is outlined in Procedure 08–01

Procedure 13–11

Question 3

Fitness for Duty Assessments
Fitness for duty assessments of Service members are the responsibility of the _____. No medical information will be disclosed to a member’s ______, however Wellness will share information related to an ______.
Factors that may impact a member’s fitness for duty include _____.

Answer 3

Wellness Unit (Wellness)

Unit Commander

absence or return to work abilities

illness, injury, fatigue, mental stress, alcohol and drug use

Question 4

Cannabis -
Unlike alcohol, which eliminates from the body at a constant rate, compounds found in cannabis such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are metabolically complex and are released from the body at _____. THC is responsible for the way the______. Factors such as _____ cause people to metabolize THC differently and, dependent on the person, THC can stay stored in the body’s fat deposits for a _____ after cannabis was last ingested.

Answer 4

variable rates

brain and body respond to cannabis

frequency of cannabis use and body fat levels

considerable amount of time

Question 5

Cannabis - The Service places the highest value on the protection of life and the safety of its members and the public, and relies on members to perform their job tasks free from impairment. Because cognitive impairment from cannabis use can persist for a _______ after the initial intoxicating effects, there exists a risk of potential harm to the public and other Service members post-consumption of cannabis.

Answer 5

considerable and unpredictable amount of time

Question 6

Cannabis - In accordance with Standards of Conduct 1.25, members SHALL not:

Answer 6

 misuse cannabis to the extent that the said substance may have an adverse effect on the performance of their duties as a member of the Service or otherwise bring discredit to the reputation of the Service
 use recreational cannabis for a minimum of twenty four (24) hours prior to attending work

The Service will endeavour to accommodate all members who require the use of medically-prescribed or authorized cannabis, in compliance with Procedure 08–13.
Members who knowingly contravene Standards of Conduct 1.25 SHALL be subject to discipline in accordance with Chapter 13 of Procedures.

Question 7

Testing -
In accordance with Standards of Conduct 1.26, when there are REASONABLE GROUNDS to investigate a member for using _____ the member SHALL be afforded the opportunity to take the _____
The Service reserves the right to undertake appropriate post-incident drug testing for cannabis, when applicable.

Answer 7

alcohol or drugs in a manner prejudicial to duty,

appropriate test (intoxilizer, drug recognition evaluation, or other recognized screening method).

Question 8

Member - When directed to attend Wellness for a fitness for duty assessment SHALL

Answer 8

 attend as directed
 comply with the recommendations of the Medical Advisor or designate

Question 9

Member - When it is apparent that another member’s performance of duty is impaired, SHALL

Answer 9

advise any supervisor as soon as is practicable.

Question 10

Member - With respect to ingesting cannabis, members shall

Answer 10

 comply with Standards of Conduct 1.25
 when issued a medical authorization or prescribed cannabis by a licenced physician, SHALL report such use to Wellness forthwith.
viii. The Service will endeavour to accommodate all members who require the use of medically- prescribed or authorized cannabis, in compliance with Procedure 08–13.
 advise their supervisor immediately if they unintentionally ingest cannabis
ix. Members will not be subject to discipline under this circumstance.

Question 11

Supervisor - When approached by a member who voluntarily seeks help for an issue, where work performance or safety is not affected, SHALL

Answer 11

 advise the member of options available for assistance, including the CIRT/PSV program, the EFAP, consultation
visits at Psychological Services, Wellness, Volunteer Chaplains, benefits coverage for psychological treatment
provided in the community, and community partner wellness resources, such as Toronto Beyond the Blue
 follow up, if required, to provide the member with appropriate support and encouragement to resolve the problem

Question 12

Supervisor - When it is apparent an illness/injury is affecting a member’s performance of duty SHALL comply with

Answer 12

Procedure 08–02. NIP

Question 13

Supervisor - When it is apparent that psychological stress or distress is affecting a member’s performance of duty SHALL comply with

Answer 13

Procedure 08–14. NIP

Question 14

Supervisor - When it is apparent that alcohol or drugs are affecting a member’s performance of duty SHALL comply with

Answer 14

Procedure
08–05.

Question 15

Supervisor - When it is apparent that a fitness for duty issue not described in items 5-7 is affecting a member’s performance of duty SHALL

Answer 15

 immediately notify their Officer in Charge and their Unit Commander on a TPS 649
 comply with Procedure 13–11, if applicable

Question 16

Supervisor - When advised by a member that they have unintentionally ingested cannabis, SHALL comply with

Answer 16

Procedure 08–03. NIP

Question 17

Officer in Charge - When approached by a member who voluntarily seeks help for an issue, where work performance or safety is not affected, SHALL comply with

Answer 17

item 4.

4.When approached by a member who voluntarily seeks help for an issue, where work performance or safety is not affected, shall
 advise the member of options available for assistance, including the CIRT/PSV program, the EFAP, consultation
visits at Psychological Services, Wellness, Volunteer Chaplains, benefits coverage for psychological treatment
provided in the community, and community partner wellness resources, such as Toronto Beyond the Blue
 follow up, if required, to provide the member with appropriate support and encouragement to resolve the problem

Question 18

Officer in Charge - When it is determined that there are fitness for duty or safety concerns SHALL

Answer 18

 ensure the member is given immediate medical treatment, if required
 immediately notify the Unit Commander of the circumstances on a TPS 649

Question 19

Officer in Charge - When observing that a member is unfit for duty due to drug or alcohol impairment SHALL also comply with

Answer 19

Procedure 08–05.

Question 20

Officer in Charge - When in receipt of a TPS 649 and/or a MED 1 containing recommendations from Wellness SHALL

Answer 20

 follow up with the member to ensure compliance
 give a copy to the member’s immediate supervisor

Question 21

Definitions - Cannabis means

Answer 21

 any part of a cannabis plant, including the phytocannabinoids produced by or found in such a plant, regardless of
whether that part has been processed or not, other than a part of the plant referred to in Schedule 2 [of the Cannabis Act];
 any substance or mix of substances that contains or has on it any part of a cannabis plant; or
 any substance that is identical to any phytocannabinoid produced by, or found in, such a plant, regardless of how
the substance was obtained [including synthetic cannabis products]. [source: Cannabis Act, Schedule 1].

Question 22

Definitions -Fitness for Duty

Answer 22

means that a member is mentally, emotionally and physically able to safely and competently perform assigned duties, without any limitations attributable, but not limited to, illness, injury, fatigue, mental stress or the use and/or after effects of alcohol or drugs.