An article in the Chicago Tribune put the spotlight on this question when reporters revealed that some police department contracts do in fact allow some alcohol in officers’ systems on duty.
Lat week we asked P1 Members: Should officers be allowed to have any amount of alcohol in their systems on duty? Is “zero intolerance impractical for police officers” as one official claimed?
Or is any amount of alcohol in an on-duty officer’s system, which could result in even a minimal level of impairment, unacceptable and potentially dangerous?
We received a tremendous response to the topic, overwhelmingly favoring no alcohol on duty except for undercover situations.
Below are a few of the responses we received. Thanks again Police1 members for speaking your minds!
Lindsay Gebhart
Police1 News Editor
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Deputy Garry Roselles with the Powell County (MO) SD:
While I believe that no amount of alcohol should be tolerated while on duty, I don’t think that setting a limit of .02 is out of line.
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Investigator Rob Herbert, Harbor officer (LA):
There is no doubt that alcohol is a drug (albeit a legal one) and impairs one’s judgment. Don’t we get enough bad press when we make “innocent” mistakes? We don’t need to be put in a position to make more mistakes, or to give the public a chance to criticize every second of our existence.
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Inspector Debra Hickey with the Springfield (MO) Public Schools:
No officer, no matter how macho they may believe and feel they are ... no matter how much they feel they can “hold their beer.” will function at 100% with any quantity of alcohol in their system. How would you like to know that your backup consumed a couple of beers just before you find yourself in a gun battle? Not me!
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Officer Nate Gallagher with the Oshkosh (WI) PD:
It’s disturbing to me that any executive or official from any agency or FOP would say that a “zero tolerance” is not feasible or that it is not possible. If I am working a U/C assignment (and have done so for bar checks and inspections) and choose to drink, I cannot carry a weapon and will not assume any duties other than that assignment until the alcohol has cleared from my system. If I carry my weapon off-duty, zero tolerance is the rule.
I am truly surprised at reading this article from Chicago. I never would have thought that any amount of alcohol would be considered acceptable while performing your duty.
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Reserve Deputy Sheriff James Junot Jr. with the Plaquemines Parish (LA) SO:
I can’t believe you have even asked the question. What should the BAL tolerance for on-duty law enforcement be? 0.00! How would you like your life hanging in the balance, depending on a person who is “slightly euphoric and light-headed”?
To come out onto the street with any impaired abilities is courting death. Additionally any jurisdiction who, by contract, allows an officer to be on duty while impaired should be held liable for the consequences.
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Officer Daniel R. Buckley with the Middletown Twp. (PA) PD:
Some guys could be a 0.15 and be fine, and some guys could be a 0.02 and be a wreck. Most people in general know their limits, and how much they can drink before they are impaired. The question I have to ask myself is, “Do I trust a person who has been drinking and probably somewhat impaired covering me in a fire fight or in a high-risk situation?” The answer for me is “no,” I want that person to be at the top of their game.
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Lt. Dep. Jim Watts with the Onalaska (TX) PD:
While I was in combat in the U.S. Army we were given access and to all the alcohol we could get. This was the Governments medicine for the mental injuries that were heap upon us daily.
I personally do not use alcohol while on duty and scarce amounts on a random periodic basis. I do not however mind if other Officers intake alcohol as long as it is in moderation and not as medication.
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Lt. Eric Burson with the Nev. Dept. of Corrections:
I can’t comprehend an officer worth their salt wanting to go on duty with even a hint of impairment. Of course there is a difference between reporting for a scheduled shift impaired as opposed to an investigator getting called out in the middle of the night after dinner and drinks. As a private pilot, we have a saying based on an FAA regulation, “8 hours bottle to throttle.” Might be a good idea for peace officers to practice this too.
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Group Supervisor Timothy Rueckert with the Auroura (IL) Gaming Board:
The answer is YES.
With that been said, Police Officiers (P/O) should not be falling down drunk while directing traffic, but in an undercover roll it is very important that P/O’s be allowed to drink. Police Departments use the P/O’s contract like a broad blanket. Sometimes this blanket is used to protect the P/O and sometimes it is used to hang them. So the language in these contracts must take in every possible situtation.
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