Sworn and civilian members of the city police service will not be able to possess or consume cannabis while on the job.
The police board received the force’s new substance use policy covering the use of medications, cannabis and alcohol.
Acting police chief Sylvie Hauth tells us civilian, and officers are expected to report to work fit for duty.
Hauth goes onto say they should be able to perform their assigned tasks safely and acceptably without limitations due to substance use.
https://soundcloud.com/acadianews/sylvie-hauth-substance-use-policy
The new policy also addresses drug and alcohol testing for police service members.
Workers who are in a safety-sensitive position may be tested if the police service has reasonable cause to believe the employee is reporting to work impaired.
Officials say noncompliance with the substance use policy may result in discipline including dismissal.
Thunder Bay Police Association President Greg Stephenson says the policy put in place Tuesday is probably a good place to start since the legalization of cannabis is still so new.
https://soundcloud.com/acadianews/greg-stephenson-cannabis
Holly Walbourne is the Legal Counsel for Thunder Bay Police Service. She provided an update to members of the police service board this morning. Walbourne feels the policy encompasses the use of medical cannabis, other prescription drugs, alcohol and recreational use of marijuana.
https://soundcloud.com/acadianews/legal-counsel-for-police-holly-walbourne
