Unions and top gardaí in talks on drug tests for officers

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris signalled last year that he favoured mandatory drug testing

January 16 2022 02:30 AM

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The Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU) is holding high-level talks with the force’s two main unions over the introduction of drug and alcohol testing of officers.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA), which represents rank and file members, and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) have voiced concerns about how testing will be rolled out.

A meeting between garda bosses and the two unions to discuss the proposals will take place on January 31, it is understood.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris signalled last year that he favoured mandatory drug testing for sworn garda members and civilian support staff, and said it would be rolled out by the new GACU.

Issues arose after a formal launch of the unit last June, when it was announced testing would begin six months from that date, meaning a start time at any point after December 1.

Assistant Commissioner Pat Clavin, under whose remit the GACU operates, told the Policing Authority last July that a dispute had emerged with the two garda unions over the roll-out of drug testing.

However, he said a date for further talks was being worked on with a view to addressing concerns.

A source within the GRA said officers “just want clarity”.

“Gardaí have no problem with drug testing. We just want to know how it will work. Will it be mandatory, random, can it be done when there is reasonable cause? Will it be annual testing, will it happen upon transfer, or pre-employment in Templemore training college?” the source said.

“It is not unreasonable for us to be kept informed. Gardaí have no problem with drug testing, as long as it is fair, measured and balanced.

“We are not against the concept in any form — gardaí more than anyone have seen the devastation that drugs do to communities.”

While the number of gardaí who abuse drugs is believed to be very small, there have been incidents where officers have been “compromised” by criminal elements when they develop drug addictions, which leaves them open to corruption.

“We know of instances where we’ve had some of our people who have been recreationally using drugs,” Mr Clavin said.

“I would be concerned about the level of drug-taking in Irish society in general — and, as I say, our people come from Irish society.

It is hoped the mandatory testing will “root out” any members who have addiction or substance-misuse problems.

There have been incidents of gardaí caught in possession of drugs, often cocaine, while out socialising, and they have later lost their jobs as a result.

There have also been serious incidents where officers became addicted to drugs and were then blackmailed by criminal elements to access garda intelligence.

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