THUNDER BAY - It will be at the discretion of officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service to determine whether or not they are fit for duty after consuming cannabis products after it becomes legal across Canada on Oct. 17.
“We are leaving it to our members to use sound judgement,” said acting Thunder Bay Police Service chief, Sylvie Hauth. “I don’t think that because cannabis is now legal that this will change the perspective of people on the job.”
The Service’s cannabis use policy was released during the Thunder Bay Police Service Board meeting on Tuesday. It is not a new policy specifically dealing with cannabis, but rather an update to the police service’s existing substance use policy, which includes alcohol and medications.
The policy applies to everyone engaged with police services, including uniformed officers and civilian members.
According to Hauth, the police service decided to adopt the fit for duty approach because it was recommended by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. The Ontario Provincial Police have adopted the same policy.
Additionally, because there is no reliable testing to determine whether someone has used cannabis 10 hours ago or 10 days ago, Hauth said it did not seem feasible to completely prohibit members from using the drug. But if more advanced testing becomes available in the future, the policy could be reviewed.
“Ultimately, if testing was there, I think if you are dealing with high-risk positions such as policing, you would want people to not only use good judgement but for us to be satisfied you are coming to duty and are not under the influence in any respect,” she said.
There is no minimum time from when member uses cannabis products and then reports to work. Hauth all members must be emotionally, mentally, and physically able to perform all duties of the job without impairment.
But even with the introduction of legalized cannabis across the country, Hauth does not think it will dramatically change the situation or perspective of the officers.
“Over the years, there has been expectations that officers are not coming to work intoxicated or having consumed alcohol or if they are under the care of a physician and on opioids or any kind of strong medication, that they are able to work and if they are not, that has to be brought to our attention and dealt with accordingly,” she said.
Any member of the police service who is suspected of being under the influence will be assessed and removed from day-to-day duty so further testing can be done. A member repeatedly coming to work impaired could result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Greg Stephenson, president of the Thunder Bay Police Association, said the fit for duty approach is probably the best way to go right now given that there are still many unknowns regarding the legalization of cannabis in Canada.
But he added that it should not be an issue for the members because the policy is no different from how the service treats alcohol use.
“Our members have to use discretion and make sure whatever they are doing off duty does not affect what they do on duty,” Stephenson said.
“Our work place, as any workplace, has issues that come forward every now and again and we support our members and we help them get the support that they need or treatment that they need,” Stephenson continued. “We haven’t had an issue with discipline since I’ve been involved at least.”
