Opinion ID: 2514279
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Challenged Testing Provisions

Text: At issue in these cases are the portions of the policy which provide for testing (1) upon promotion, transfer, or demotion, (2) post-accident, [5] and (3) randomly.
Policy language appears to require substance abuse testing as the final step in the selection process for public safety positions even for employees transferred, promoted or demoted from another public safety position. [6] Policy §§ 7.a.(1) & 7.c.(1)-(2). According to the Municipality, promotion or demotion triggers testing for employees moving from a public safety position; however, transfer testing is triggered only when an employee changes from one position within a job classification which is not subject to testing to another position in the same job classification which is subject to testing. Affidavit of Charles Shelton at ¶ 3.
The policy also requires testing when an employee is involved in a motor vehicle accident while performing job duties if the accident results in a moving violation, serious injury, or property damage. Policy §§ 7.a.(3), 7.c.(4). [7]
The policy also calls for periodic, unannounced, random testing of employees in public safety positions. Policy §§ 5.v, 7.a.(2), 7.c.(6). [8] A designated independent percentage of the public safety employees are chosen for alcohol and drug testing on an irregular basis. The employees are chosen randomly and are not given advance notice. No discretion is vested in any supervisor.