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OPP members must report to work fit for duty, says commissioner in advance of marijuana legalization

'Maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free workplace is crucial,' OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes states
2018-09-13 Vince Hawkes OPP
File photo: OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes speaks during an event at OPP General Headquarters. Nathan Taylor/Village Media

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is committed to the health, safety and wellness of our members and the communities we serve. Maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace is a crucial step to fulfilling that commitment.

As a safety-sensitive workplace, all OPP members must report to work fit for duty. A member is fit for duty when they are in a physical, mental and emotional state that allows the individual to perform assigned duties competently and in a manner that does not compromise or threaten the safety or health of that individual or others, the environment, or OPP property.

“Our policy remains – all members must report to work fit for duty. The health and well-being of all our members enables the OPP to continuously provide effective support to our communities,” states OPP Commissioner Vince Hawkes.

Reporting to work fit for duty requires a member be without limitations resulting from, but not limited to, all drugs (including cannabis, over-the-counter and prescription medication) and/or alcohol. If a member has accommodation needs, the OPP will continue to review such accommodation requests and needs in accordance with the Ontario Public Service’s Disability Accommodation Policy and the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free workplace is crucial to ensuring that our environment, members and the families and communities that depend on them, remain safe.

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