|
448
<br />potentially serious motor vehicle accidents, or could jeopardize the very health of those entrusted
<br />to our care, all with serious and potentially life - threatening implications. As a consequence, and in
<br />furtherance of public safety and the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of our employees
<br />and the public they serve, this policy will require random testing, in conformance with D.O.T.
<br />standards, for all employees covered by D.O.T. regulations, and for all public safety employees
<br />(generally, all police, fire, and EMS personnel as defined in this policy). Other employees and
<br />employee candidates will be subject to testing following certain events, or in the circumstances of
<br />reasonable suspicion. The effect of off -duty conduct, and the City's right to search for unauthorized
<br />substances anywhere on City property, in furtherance of the goals of this policy, other policies, and
<br />the laws of this state and this city, are also covered in this policy, Each employee is not only
<br />encouraged, but required, to read and become familiar with this policy.
<br />SECTION 17.03 - Background of Policy
<br />The City of Paris acknowledges that its success now, as well as in the future, is dependent upon the
<br />well -being of its employees. Accordingly, it is the City of Paris's right, obligation, and intent to
<br />maintain a safe working environment for all of its employees to protect City property, equipment,
<br />and operations, and to fulfill its obligations to the general public.
<br />SECTION 17.04 - Definitions
<br />A. "IN UNFIT CONDITIONA IPAIRED" - The employee's behavior and/or ability to work
<br />are affected by a controlled substance or alcohol, or the combination of them, in any
<br />detectable manner.
<br />B. "CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE" - Any drug or controlled substance, the manufacture,
<br />distribution, possession, sale, or consumption of which is illegal, or a prescribed or over -the-
<br />counter drug which is legally obtained but not being used for its intended purpose, or a
<br />prescribed or over- the - counter substance which is legally obtained and used for its intended
<br />purpose but the use of which. causes the employee to be impaired or in an unfit condition.
<br />For the purpose of this Policy, the definition of controlled substance shall include, but not
<br />be limited to, all controlled substances, drugs, inhalants, chemical precursors, simulated
<br />controlled substances, volatile chemicals, abusable glues, aerosol paints, and marijuana as
<br />those terms are now or shall hereafter be defined in Title 6, Chapters 481 -485 of the Texas
<br />Health and Safety .Code, or any successor Code thereto.
<br />C. . "REASONABLE SUSPICION" - The belief that an employee has violated the alcohol or
<br />drugs prohibitions, based on specific, contemporaneous, articulable observations concerning
<br />the appearance, behavior, speech, or body odors of the employee.
<br />51 Revised 01 -25 -05
<br />
|