Drug testing for gardaí to be introduced as part of new anti-corruption policies

Drug testing at garda stations is on the way – for the gardaí themselves.

Today Tuesday June 1, An Garda Síochána published a number of new anti-corruption policies intended to help promote the highest levels of honesty, integrity and professionalism within the organisation, while enhancing public confidence in the policing service.

As part of the new policies, testing of garda personnel for controlled drugs within the workplace is be introduced within the next six months to prevent and deter their use and identify individuals using such controlled drugs.

In addition, testing for controlled drugs will be conducted in respect of all prospective employees of An Garda Síochána.

The new policies to support a safe and ethical workplace have been developed by the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU) which was established in November 2020 under the Government’s A Policing Service For Our Future plan..

They are the overarching Anti-Corruption Policy, the Professional Boundaries and Abuse of Power for Sexual Gain Policy, as well as the Substance Misuse (Controlled Drugs) Policy.

The three Garda policies are available on www.garda.ie.