Malta Police Union disagrees with Alcohol Testing Officers: “Consumption Is Not Illegal”
The Malta Police Union does not agree with the new policy that police officers will have pass drug and alcohol tests from next year.
The Union issued a statement, saying that, although it agrees with any drug test to detect any abuse of illegal substances by members of the Force, it does not agree with the spirit of the legislation regarding alcohol.
“Although the Union states that no employee should report to any workplace under the influence of any alcohol, alcohol consumption is not illegal,” the Union said.
He is also not informed how the rule will be implemented by the administration of the Malta Police Force, “as the law is open to interpretation”.
“Why are police officers being treated differently from other workers?” asks the Union. “Will we fire officers because there may be traces of alcohol after attending a Police Christmas party?”
Concerns about alcohol testing have been raised by the Hon. Minister Dr Byron Camilleri, with whom the Union requested a meeting to discuss the legislation, but its reasons remained unanswered.
The Union hopes to have the opportunity to have meaningful consultation before policy-making.
What do you think about police officers having to do drug and alcohol tests?