NCJ Number
110422
Date Published
1987
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This study used a literature search, nominal group technique, cross-impact analysis, and scenario writing to forecast the significance of police drug use in the future.
Abstract
Drug use among police officers is receiving national media attention because of its potential threat to the integrity of law enforcement and the community's safety. Police executives must take reasonable precautions to ensure a drug-free workplace. This report concludes that most employees who use drugs will stop using them under the threat of possible detection. Drug testing is thus a strong deterrent to drug use. Police agencies must develop a strategy for exposing all employee drug users without violating employees' rights. An agency's drug use policy should be in writing, and all employees should be aware of it and of the consequences of using drugs. All impacted groups should be included in the development of a drug abuse program, including the police union. Police executives who permit employees with drug abuse problems to perform law enforcement duties are exposing their municipalities to extraordinary liability costs. Survey questionnaire, 21 references. (Author summary modified)