8.166 Flashcards
What is the policy regarding employee impairment at LVMPD?
Employees must be alert and free from impairment caused by drugs, medication, alcohol, or any other substance when on duty.
This includes both reporting for and remaining on duty.
What are employees prohibited from doing regarding drugs while employed by LVMPD?
Employees may not ingest, possess, manufacture, distribute, or dispense any prohibited drug.
This applies to both on-duty and off-duty situations.
What is defined as impairment?
The condition resulting from using a substance to the degree that may render an employee incapable of effectively performing job duties.
Who is a Medical Review Officer (MRO)?
A licensed physician certified by an approved MRO certification board who reviews collection information and interprets test results.
What does ‘on duty’ mean for the purpose of this policy?
‘On duty’ includes regular, call-back, or overtime duty, taking police action, and volunteering at department-sponsored charity.
What are over-the-counter medications?
Medicine that can be purchased legally without a prescription.
What defines prohibited drugs according to LVMPD?
Illegally obtained prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or controlled substances regulated by state and federal laws.
What happens if an employee is found impaired due to alcohol?
Disciplinary action may be taken if alcohol consumption brings discredit to the department.
A concentration of .02 percent or above indicates per se impairment.
What must employees do if they unintentionally use a prohibited drug?
Immediately report the incident to their supervisor.
What is the self-reporting requirement for employees using prescription or over-the-counter medication?
Notify the Health and Safety Detail if informed by a physician or pharmacist that the medication may cause impairment.
What is the consequence of not renewing prescriptions annually?
It will be presumed that the employee is no longer taking the medication, and approval will be rescinded.
What does the amnesty provision for self-reporting entail?
An employee may voluntarily self-identify as an abuser of drugs or alcohol and must participate in a mandatory rehabilitation program.
What are the conditions under which an employee may be terminated?
- Refusal to submit to a required drug or alcohol test
- Evidence of sample tampering
- A positive drug test indicating prohibited drug use
What does reasonable suspicion for drug testing include?
- Observable symptoms of drug use
- Erratic behavior
- Arrest or conviction for drug-related offenses
- Reliable information from credible sources
What is the procedure if a supervisor has reasonable suspicion of an employee’s impairment?
Contact the Internal Affairs Bureau immediately and conduct a preliminary investigation.
What is the maximum allowable alcohol concentration for an employee on duty?
.02 percent or above is considered per se impairment.
What is the testing methodology used for workplace testing?
Tests can include urine, hair, blood, breath, or a combination thereof.
Fill in the blank: Employees are financially responsible for damages resulting from a collision while ______.
driving a department vehicle
True or False: Marijuana is considered a prohibited drug under LVMPD policy.
True
What is the purpose of reasonable suspicion in drug testing?
To determine if an employee is misusing alcohol, prohibited drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other substances
Reasonable suspicion must be based on observations by IAB personnel.
What types of tests are required if reasonable suspicion of alcohol exists?
Evidentiary test (breathalyzer or blood test)
Breathalyzer tests are preferred if available.
What types of samples may be collected for substances other than alcohol?
Blood, urine, or hair
The type of sample collected depends on the department’s discretion.
What happens to an employee suspected of using alcohol or a prohibited drug?
They will be placed on suspension of police powers pending drug test results
This is completed by the bureau commander or designee.
What occurs if a drug test returns positive for alcohol or a prohibited drug?
The employee remains on suspension pending IAB investigation completion
The investigation will follow established protocols.
What occurs if a drug test returns negative for alcohol or a prohibited drug?
The bureau commander may return the employee to duty after consulting with the Director of Risk Management
This is contingent on proper procedures being followed.
How are squads selected for random drug testing?
A randomized computer program identifies squads
All employees assigned to the selected squad must participate.
What is required for an employee to seek an independent drug test?
Supervisory approval and submission of the appropriate leave request
This is at the employee’s expense.
What triggers drug and alcohol testing for commissioned personnel?
Officer-involved shootings or conduct resulting in death or substantial bodily harm
Excludes animal shoots and negligent discharges without injury.
What is the role of the Critical Incident Review Team (CIRT)?
To oversee the drug and alcohol testing process after critical incidents
They ensure proper procedures are followed.
What steps are taken if an employee displays symptoms of impairment?
The FIT supervisor evaluates circumstances before CIRT orders testing
This is to ensure proper handling of the situation.
What types of samples are collected under reasonable suspicion?
Hair, urine, and/or blood
The department decides the necessary type based on suspected impairment.
What identification must employees present during sample collection?
Photographic identification (e.g., driver’s license or department ID)
This is required for verification.
What happens to samples that test positive?
They undergo a confirmatory test and results are reviewed by the Director of Risk Management
Positive results are further verified by the MRO.
What is the time frame for an employee to request a split sample test after a positive result?
72 hours
This request does not delay termination or non-confirmation proceedings.
How long does the Evidence Vault retain positive samples?
Three years in frozen storage
Samples are destroyed after this period unless litigation holds are placed.
What must be completed to dispose of a negative sample?
A Dispose Disposition Request in the EDO module
This is completed by the Director of Risk Management.
What type of collection oversight is required for urine samples?
The sample collector must be present outside the restroom door
This ensures that samples are from the employee without visual observation.
What guidelines does independent laboratory testing follow?
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines
These guidelines include cut-offs for specific substances.
What happens to negative samples after testing?
They are destroyed as soon as practical
This includes associated reports.
