TESTING MEMBERS FOR ALCOHOL OR DRUGS OF DEPENDENCE

Question 0

OVERVIEW OF TESTING SYSTEM

General:
When can Vic Pol test personnel?

Answer 0

• Critical Incident
• Targeted testing
• Random testing
• Designated work unit/function testing

Question 1

OVERVIEW OF TESTING SYSTEM

General

Answer 1

• Employees have an obligation to ensure that appropriate action is taken where an employee appears to have alcohol or drug issues

Question 2

OVERVIEW OF TESTING SYSTEM

Persons authorised to give testing direction

Answer 2

• As far as practicable, the person giving the direction should be equivalent or senior rank to person subject to the direction
• A person authorised to give a testing direction may also initiate the test as detailed in these procedures

Question 3

OVERVIEW OF TESTING SYSTEM

Methods of testing

Answer 3

• Give a sample of breath = alcohol
• Give a sample of urine = drugs
• Give a sample of hair = drugs
• Allow a registered medical practitioner or approved health professional to take a sample of the person’s blood = alcohol / drugs

Question 4

OVERVIEW OF TESTING SYSTEM

Failure to comply with a testing direction

Answer 4

• A member of Vic Pol personnel must comply with a testing direction
• Where a person fails to comply with or cooperate fully with a direction to undergo a test, they should be encouraged to participate in the first instance

Question 5

CRITICAL INCIDENT TESTING

Legislative basis for testing

Answer 5

• In accordance with s.86(1), a member of Vic Pol personnel, whether rostered on or off, may be given a testing direction if it is reasonably believed that the person was involved in a critical incident (whether or not the person was present at the place where the critical incident occurred)

Question 6

TARGETED TESTING

Overview -
Circumstances where targeted testing may be used if the legislation grounds are met include:

Answer 6

• To assist a Work Unit Manager with the management of a person who is thought to have issues with alcohol or drug use
• If an incident is being addressed in line with VPMG Management Intervention Model
• As part of an investigation of an incident or complaint, whether the matter is being investigated by PSC or a Region/Department
• When the PMO believes it necessary to determine a sworn members fitness for duty

Question 7

RANDOM TESTING

Legislative basis for random testing:

Answer 7

• A testing direction may be given to one or more sworn members, who are rostered on, if the members have been chosen by random selection

Question 8

TESTING DESIGNATED WORK UNITS AND WORK FUNCTIONS

Legislative basis for testing -
Personnel who are rostered on at a designated work unit or rostered on to perform designated work functions may be subject to testing as follows:

Answer 8

• Targeted testing = Vic Pol employees

- Designated work unit/function testing = personnel