Workplace drug and alcohol testing 598/2026

FOI Reference: 598/2026

Request:

1. Does your force operate a workplace drug and alcohol testing policy for officers and/or staff? If so, please provide a copy of the current policy, or confirm the date it was last reviewed.
2. Does the policy include the following safeguards:

(a) Engagement of an independent Medical Review Officer (MRO) or equivalent qualified professional to review positive drug test results before any disciplinary action is taken;

(b) Obtaining an independent toxicological opinion when a positive result may be attributable to legal substances (such as over-the-counter CBD products, prescription medication, or dietary sources);

(c) Offering confirmatory re-testing or independent analysis following a disputed positive result;

(d) Referral to Occupational Health before disciplinary proceedings are initiated on the basis of a drug test result;

(e) Maintenance of a written drug and alcohol testing policy that meets the standards recommended by the ACAS guidance on managing drug and alcohol misuse at work?

3. What type of drug screening devices or methods are used for initial testing (e.g. oral fluid point-of-care immunoassay, urine immunoassay, laboratory analysis)?
4. Are all positive screening results confirmed by a second, independent analytical method — specifically GC-MS or LC-MS/MS — before any disciplinary, welfare, or employment decision is made?
5. Is your force aware that peer-reviewed literature confirms that lawful, everyday substances can produce false positive results on immunoassay-based screening devices? Documented sources of cross-reactivity include poppy seeds, over-the-counter CBD products, prescribed medications (including codeine, tramadol, gabapentin, and certain antidepressants), tonic water, bananas, passive or environmental exposure to cannabis smoke, and certain antihistamines — among others.
6. Has your force received any complaints, grievances, or representations from officers or staff who attributed a positive drug test result to any lawful source in the last five years? If so, how many and what was the outcome?
7. What guidance, if any, has been issued to staff involved in drug testing about the possibility of false positives from lawful substances, and the appropriate steps to take before acting on a screening result?

Response 1 & 2:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

Policy is published on the force website

Substance Misuse Policy | Dyfed-Powys Police

Last reviewed in June 2025, next scheduled review June 2027.

Please see attached Substance Misuse Procedure document.

Response 3

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

We use an independent company to conduct our testing (currently Abbott Toxicology). Please refer to them for specifics regarding methods of testing. They are best placed to provide the information. Please see below hyperlink to direct your questions.

https://www.toxicology.abbott/gb/en/contact-us.html

Response 4:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

We use an independent company to conduct our testing (currently Abbott Toxicology). Please refer to them for specifics regarding methods of testing and confirmation of results (hyperlink provided at response 3). They have ISO accreditation.

Response 5:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

We review literature and keep up to date with current developments. We rely on our ISO accredited toxicology provider to provide forensically sound results based on the most up to date technology and understanding in the field.

Response 6:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

None

Response 7:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

None

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 29/06/2026)