Prison staff oppose alcohol tests

Officers may have to go without a drink for 17 days at a time

Prison officers are opposing plans to test them for alcohol use.

A system for testing officers' blood, urine or breath is to be introduced "as soon as possible", according to the Prison Service.

Those found to be over the drink-drive limit would be declared unfit for duty, a spokesman told BBC News Online.

But Prison Officers Association general secretary Brian Acton said such a system should be extended across all public services, including MPs.

The tests would not be random, according to the Prison Service, but any officer suspected of drinking could be tested.

"We are not saying an officer cannot have a pint at lunchtime or a few pints after work," the spokesman told BBC News Online.

Surely you should have a system across the public service including MPs in the House of Commons who take us to war Brian Acton, Prison Officers Association

"But they are dealing with dangerous prisoners and we expect them to be alert and professional."

But Mr Acton said current shift patterns meant staff would have to abstain for 17 days at a time.

"We are opposed to it - not because we want prison officers to go on duty drunk but because we want a full and proper occupational system that takes into account why people take to drink," he said.

"If they are going to breathalyse prison officers then surely you should have a system across the public service including MPs in the House of Commons who take us to war."

Call for support

Prison Service director general Phil Wheatley told the Prisons Handbook all staff should remain under the limit throughout their shifts "irrespective of the time of day".

The service was also considering introducing a drugs policy for all staff, he added.

It is important the Prison Service does not adopt an 'out the door' policy Mark Leech Prisons Handbook editor

Editor Mark Leech said: "Staff whose judgment is impaired through drink or drugs are a danger to themselves and to others inside the prison.

"It is in everyone's interest they are removed from the prison until they are again fit to attend."

But Mr Leech added that sacking staff who failed tests should be "a final and last resort".

"Staff who have a drink or drugs problem must receive the support they need to address their problems.

"It is important the Prison Service does not adopt an 'out the door' policy."

Ethical issue

The Police Advisory Board is considering random drug testing for police officers in England and Wales

It is an ethical issue, according to the Superintendents Association.

And those who have to enforce the law on drugs should be seen to be rooting out misuse within their own ranks.

The association points out that compulsory testing has been successful in other organisations - particularly the Army.