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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: North Wales Police to drug test all staff
Derek Bellis Liverpool Daily Post
Wednesday 10 Nov 2004 RANDOM drink and drug tests for North Wales cops and their civilian colleagues last night brought a storm of protest from staff. North Wales police is believed to be the first force in Britain to roll out the controversial tests for its 2,600 officers and support workers. Those who test positive or refuse to give samples may face disciplinary action. Police chiefs said the new policy would safeguard the force's integrity and reputation, and was lawful. Union officers are under fire for signing up to the scheme, with work-ers saying the "Big Brother" tests infringed civil rights. Some are considering legal action if forced to give samples. But Unison secretary Anne Roberts said most of her 600 members were not opposed, adding: "The feeling is if you have nothing to hide, you won't worry about it." Workers will be asked to give urine samples, which will be tested by independent nurses. One employee said: "If they ask me to give a random test, I'll do so under protest but then see what rights I have to sue. "What is the use of human rights if they can do this to you? Where I work, we're furious because it shows a lack of trust. There's never been a problem." A female colleague added: "Morale is not very high. We are not happy about what they are doing and everyone is talking about it." The civilians include clerks and secretaries to mechanics and press officers, forensic experts to receptionists. Assistant chief constable Stephen Curtis drew up the policy with Unison and the Police Federation. Yesterday, a force spokeswoman said the tests were "to ensure those who work for the organisation are free from the risk of substance misuse whether personally or through the conduct of others." She added the policy "not only supports those who seek help, but protects the reputation and integrity of both staff and North Wales police as a whole." The tests will be targeted at those in safety and security-critical posts. They will also be used when allegations of drink or drug abuse are made against staff. But any worker can now be randomly tested without notice. Wrexham-based employment lawyer Tudor Williams said: "It would be interesting to know whether conditions of service in the contracts of civilian staff have been altered retrospectively. Consent underpins a contract or any proposed change. Otherwise there is an unlawful breach of contract." Ms Roberts said the union had worked to make the policy userfriendly. "We have sought advice nationally, and there has been no human rights test case involving these powers," she said..
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