§ 21-15.21. Introduction.

Employees with drug and alcohol abuse problems make up only a small fraction of the work force, and the Rapides Parish Police Jury regrets any inconvenience that may be caused to the many nonabusers by the problems of a few. It is believed, however, that the benefits derived from the prevention of accidents, the greater the safety of employees, contractors, visitors and the rehabilitation or discharge of those who, because of alcohol or drugs, are a potential danger to others, will more than make up for any inconvenience. The Rapides Parish Police Jury solicits the understanding and cooperation of all employees in implementing the adopted substance abuse policy of Fire Protection District No. 4.

(1)

The intent of these procedures is to guide supervision in the proper administration of the substance abuse policy.

(2)

The substance abuse policy applies to all regular, part-time casual, or contract employees as well as classified, nonclassified, parochial firefighters, fire chiefs, department heads and police jurors. This policy shall also apply to employment applicants. Compliance with the policy is a condition of employment.

(3)

Privacy of information in all matters relating to individuals with a substance abuse problem is a paramount concern. Therefore, disclosure of and/or access to this confidential information will be on a need to know basis and pursuant to applicable state law.

(4)

Employees, if tested, will be subject to alcohol and drug testing. Testing by urinalysis, breath analyzer, blood or saliva sample, or other methods for detecting illegal substances and drug or alcohol abuse will be used to aid the Rapides Parish Police Jury in the maintenance of work environment free of illegal substance use and drug or alcohol abuse.

(5)

The fire chief will be responsible for the collection and dissemination of information to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, scheduling employee education and training conferences, referrals to rehabilitation or counseling centers, scheduling drug/alcohol tests, and the maintenance and confidentiality of records as related to this policy and the overall day to day coordination of the substance abuse screening program.

(6)

Fire chiefs and other organization supervisors are responsible for implementing substance abuse screening under the conditions described herein.

(7)

Employees are responsible for complying with the substance abuse policy and screening standards established herein.

(Ord. of 9-14-98; Ord. of 12-14-98)