§ 154-8. Drug testing of public safety and law enforcement employees carrying firearms.

(a)

There shall be mandatory random drug testing of all public safety and law enforcement employees who regularly carry firearms in connection with the discharge of their duties and/or who guard prisoners or inmates at any jail or correctional institution maintained or operated by Fulton County and/or who dispatch public safety or emergency medical services through the 911 system in the Fulton County Communications Department.

(b)

Any firefighter or public safety and law enforcement employees who regularly carry firearms in connection with the discharge of their duties and/or who guard prisoners or inmates at any jail or correctional institution maintained or operated by Fulton County and/or who dispatch public safety or emergency medical services through the 911 system in the Fulton County Communications Department shall be required to submit to mandatory drug testing based upon a reasonable individualized suspicion that he or she is impaired by or under the influence of illegal drugs while on duty.

(c)

All applicants for employment with Fulton County shall be required to submit to a drug screen in connection with the preemployment physical examination conducted by the Fulton County Board of Health.

(d)

The Board of Commissioners of Fulton County shall adopt a written employee drug testing program in accordance with existing legal requirements, which policy shall be published and promulgated prior to any testing and shall specifically set forth guidelines and procedures governing the time, place, and manner of testing of the employees covered by this section, and the use of results for disciplinary or rehabilitative action. It is the intention of the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County that the guidelines place emphasis on rehabilitative rather than disciplinary action for employees with positive test results, and that any disciplinary action taken against an employee shall be in accordance with the guidelines of progressive discipline and the Personnel Regulations of Fulton County.

(e)

It is the intention of the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County to protect the privacy interest of its employees while furthering the compelling interest of Fulton County in maintaining a drugfree and safe work environment.

(f)

The board of commissioners, in conjunction with the Fulton County Board of Health, shall explore feasible alternatives for employee drug rehabilitation and assistance programs.

(Res. of 8-16-89; Ord. No. 18-0340, Att. A, 5-16-18)

Cross reference

Mandatory drug testing of members of board of commissioners, § 101-37; law enforcement, ch. 146.