Information
FOI Request 27062026-1 – Workplace Drug Testing
Request
“I am writing to make a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
I am researching workplace drug and alcohol testing practices across public sector organisations in England and Wales, with a particular focus on the safeguards in place to prevent unfair dismissals resulting from false positive drug test results.
As the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire, your office has responsibility for setting policing priorities, holding the Chief Constable to account, and overseeing complaints and conduct. I would like to request the following information:
- Is the PFCC aware of the drug and alcohol testing policy used by Northamptonshire Police for its officers, police staff, and contractors? If so, does the PFCC hold a copy of that policy, and has the PFCC reviewed or approved it?
- Does the Northamptonshire Police drug testing policy include the
following safeguards:
(a) Confirmatory laboratory testing (e.g.
LC-MS/MS or GC-MS) before any adverse action is taken on the basis of an immunoassay screening result;
(b) Review by an independent Medical Review Officer (MRO) or equivalent qualified professional;
(c) Consideration of lawful explanations for a positive result, including the use of commercially available CBD products, prescribed cannabinoid-based medicines (e.g. Sativex, Epidiolex), or dietary sources;
(d) Referral to Occupational Health before disciplinary proceedings?
- In the last three years, has the PFCC received any complaints, representations, or correspondence from officers, staff, or members of the public regarding Northamptonshire Police’s drug testing procedures or outcomes?
- Has the PFCC commissioned, funded, or overseen any substance misuse or drug testing services in the Northamptonshire area? If so, do the commissioning contracts or service specifications require the safeguards listed in Question 2?
- Is the PFCC aware of any officer or staff member of Northamptonshire Police who has been dismissed or subjected to disciplinary action based solely on an unconfirmed immunoassay drug screening result (i.e. without confirmatory laboratory testing)?”
Response
- Is the PFCC aware of the drug and alcohol testing policy used by Northamptonshire Police for its officers, police staff, and contractors? If so, does the PFCC hold a copy of that policy, and has the PFCC reviewed or approved it?
The OPFCC is aware of Northamptonshire Police’s Alcohol. Drug and Substance Misuse Policy, however this is a Force owned policy relating to staff employed by the Chief Constable. It is important to understand that The Office of the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) and Northamptonshire Police are two separate legal entities. Information regarding operational policing matters is the responsibility of Northamptonshire Police therefore the OPFCC has neither reviewed nor approved it.
- Does the Northamptonshire Police drug testing policy include the following safeguards: (a) Confirmatory laboratory testing (e.g.
LC-MS/MS or GC-MS) before any adverse action is taken on the basis of an immunoassay screening result;
(b) Review by an independent Medical Review Officer (MRO) or equivalent qualified professional;
(c) Consideration of lawful explanations for a positive result, including the use of commercially available CBD products, prescribed cannabinoid-based medicines (e.g. Sativex, Epidiolex), or dietary sources;
(d) Referral to Occupational Health before disciplinary proceedings?
The OPFCC does not hold information relating to your request. Northamptonshire Police’s Information Unit may hold some of the information you are seeking. If you have not already done so, then you may wish to write to their Freedom of Information and Data Protection Team, Information Unit, Force Headquarters, Wootton Hall, Northampton, NN4 0JQ / [email protected]
- In the last three years, has the PFCC received any complaints, representations, or correspondence from officers, staff, or members of the public regarding Northamptonshire Police’s drug testing procedures or outcomes?
No information held.
- Has the PFCC commissioned, funded, or overseen any substance misuse or drug testing services in the Northamptonshire area? If so, do the commissioning contracts or service specifications require the safeguards listed in Question 2?
The Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (OPFCC) has not directly commissioned, funded, or overseen any substance misuse treatment or drug testing services in Northamptonshire. Consequently, the safeguards referenced in Question 2 are not applicable to any services commissioned by the OPFCC. The OPFCC has, however, provided financial contributions to both the local authorities and the Northamptonshire Combating Drugs Partnership to support efforts aimed at reducing substance misuse and related harms. Responsibility for the commissioning, contract management, and oversight of substance misuse treatment providers rests with the respective local authorities, which hold statutory responsibility for these services.
- Is the PFCC aware of any officer or staff member of Northamptonshire Police who has been dismissed or subjected to disciplinary action based solely on an unconfirmed immunoassay drug screening result (i.e. without confirmatory laboratory testing)?”
No information held.
