All Scots police officers to face random drugs tests

Published on Thursday 11 June 2009 22:03

EVERY police officer in Scotland will be subject to random drugs testing under plans to go before MSPs.

The move, revealed by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPOS), steps up action already being taken to target new recruits and those in high-risk postings, such as firearms and drug squad officers.

ACPOS said the tests were crucial in the battle against drugs.

A spokesman said yesterday: "The police in Scotland take the issue of drug taking by police officers very seriously.

"A policy has been agreed by the chief constables which states that mandatory drug testing will be undertaken on the appointment of a police officer and thereafter on a random basis."

Under the scheme, those tested will have to provide a hair sample, instead of the traditional urine sample that many forces have been using to test new recruits.

The scheme will be put into force pending the passage of legislation in the Scottish Parliament later this year.