8.166 Drug-Free Workplace

Question 1

What is the policy regarding employee impairment at LVMPD?

Answer 1

Employees are required to be alert and free from impairment caused by drugs, medication, alcohol, or any other substance when on duty.

Employees must not ingest, possess, manufacture, distribute, or dispense any prohibited drug while employed by LVMPD.

Question 2

Define ‘impairment’ as per LVMPD policy.

Answer 2

The condition resulting from using a substance to the degree that may render an employee incapable of effectively performing job duties.

Question 3

What constitutes ‘prohibited drugs’ according to LVMPD?

Answer 3

Illegally obtained prescription drugs, illegal or illicit drugs, or controlled substances regulated by state and federal laws.

This includes marijuana and THC as prohibited drugs.

Question 4

What does the term ‘on duty’ mean in this policy?

Answer 4

Regular, call-back, or overtime duty, including reporting for duty, taking police action, and/or volunteering at a department-sponsored charity.

Question 5

Is alcohol consumption allowed for LVMPD employees while on duty?

Answer 5

No, any consumption of alcohol that brings discredit to the department is prohibited, and employees should not report for duty while impaired.

Question 6

What is the consequence of a BAC test showing .02 percent or above?

Answer 6

It is considered per se impairment and may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Question 7

What should employees do if they unintentionally use a prohibited drug?

Answer 7

Immediately report the incident to their supervisor.

Question 8

What is required for self-reporting prescription medication use?

Answer 8

Notify the Health and Safety Detail and provide relevant documentation regarding potential impairment.

Question 9

What is the role of the Medical Review Officer (MRO)?

Answer 9

A licensed physician who reviews collection information and laboratory reports, and interprets test results.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: Employees must notify the Health and Safety Detail when using prescription or over-the-counter medication that has the potential to cause _______.

Answer 10

impairment.

Question 11

What happens if an employee self-identifies as an abuser of prescription or over-the-counter drugs?

Answer 11

They will participate in a mandatory rehabilitation program and may be subject to a Last Chance Agreement.

Question 12

What is the purpose of the workplace testing program?

Answer 12

To implement substance abuse testing for various employees including applicants and those under reasonable suspicion.

Question 13

True or False: An employee can be terminated for refusing to submit to a drug test.

Answer 13

True.

Question 14

What constitutes reasonable suspicion for drug testing?

Answer 14

Observable symptoms, abnormal conduct, or credible information relating to drug use.

Question 15

What must occur if a supervisor has reasonable suspicion of an employee’s impairment?

Answer 15

Contact the Internal Affairs Bureau immediately and conduct a preliminary investigation.

Question 16

What should an employee do if they are found impaired while driving a department vehicle?

Answer 16

They will be financially responsible for all damages resulting from a collision.

Question 17

What is the time frame for prescription renewals according to LVMPD policy?

Answer 17

Prescriptions must be renewed annually.

Question 18

What is the consequence of testing positive for THC?

Answer 18

It is a terminable offense.

Question 19

What types of drug tests are included in the workplace testing program?

Answer 19

Urine, hair, blood, and breath tests.

Question 20

What is required if reasonable suspicion exists for alcohol use?

Answer 20

The employee will be required to submit to an evidentiary test (breathalyzer or blood test)

If substances other than alcohol are suspected, blood, urine, or hair tests will be collected.

Question 21

What happens to an employee suspected of using alcohol or prohibited drugs?

Answer 21

The employee will be placed on suspension of police powers pending drug test results

This is initiated by the bureau commander or designee.

Question 22

What occurs if a drug test returns positive for alcohol or a prohibited drug?

Answer 22

The employee will remain on suspension of police powers pending an IAB investigation.

Question 23

What happens if a drug test returns negative for alcohol or a prohibited drug?

Answer 23

The bureau commander may return the employee to duty after consulting with the Director of Risk Management.

Question 24

How are squads selected for random drug testing?

Answer 24

A randomized computer program will be used to identify squads for testing.

Question 25

Who is responsible for ensuring compliance during drug testing?

Answer 25

Supervisory personnel will ensure testing is conducted in compliance with the policy.

Question 26

What is the notification time for a squad before a random drug test?

Answer 26

The sample collector will notify the squad’s supervisor no more than 45 minutes prior to the test.

Question 27

Can an employee seek an independent drug test?

Answer 27

Yes, at their own expense after the department's random drug testing process, with supervisory approval.

Question 28

What are commissioned personnel subject to drug and alcohol testing for?

Answer 28

Officer-involved shootings or conduct resulting in death or substantial bodily harm to another person.

Question 29

What type of drug testing is conducted for civilian employees authorized to carry a firearm?

Answer 29

They are tested immediately following any incident where they are the shooter, including negligent discharges.

Question 30

What is the role of the Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT)?

Answer 30

CIRT oversees the steps following an incident, including contacting the Force Investigation Team (FIT) and conducting tests.

Question 31

What type of sample is required for reasonable suspicion testing?

Answer 31

Hair, urine, and/or blood samples may be collected based on the suspected cause of impairment.

Question 32

What happens if a urine sample is provided?

Answer 32

The sample collector will be present outside the restroom door to ensure the sample's integrity.

Question 33

What guidelines do independent laboratories follow for initial testing?

Answer 33

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines for workplace drug testing.

Question 34

What is done with positive test results?

Answer 34

They undergo a confirmatory test and are reviewed by the Director of Risk Management.

Question 35

What is the process if an employee requests a split sample test after a positive result?

Answer 35

The employee has 72 hours to request testing of the split sample at an independent laboratory.

Question 36

How long are positive samples retained in department custody?

Answer 36

Positive samples are retained for three years in frozen storage.

Question 37

What happens to negative samples after testing?

Answer 37

They will be destroyed as soon as practical.