Monday, May 13, 2013

Should cops go to work drunk?

An article in this morning's Northwest Herald carries the headline,"Illinois bill addresses alcohol use by on-duty police."

Why should a statute even be necessary?

A chief of any department that allows an officer to work while under the influence of alcohol (or impaired in any other way (drugs, fatigue, injury) should be fired. Period!

Law-enforcement personnel must be ready and sharp throughout their shifts, whether day, evening or night. The keyword is "must". Police work can sometimes be described as like instrument flying - hours and hours of boredom punctuated by seconds of sheer terror.

I don't have to pose the many dangers that can suddenly confront an officer. If his (or her) mind or body is impaired, it could cost his life and/or the lives and health of others.

Whether an officer can show up for work just because his BAC is under 0.08% should never even be a question that is asked. The answer must be, "No."

Are there any police departments in McHenry County that allow officers to work if their BAC is not at or above 0.08%?

Are there any police departments in McHenry County that have a written zero-tolerance policy?

1 comment:

Ms.Hillary said...

I laughed at the comment about deputies hiding squads then drinking booze at Buffalo Wild Wings and then driving squads home. I looked for the news article and it appears to be gone. Your is how I found it but not if you don't have the link. I wonder if Andy called the NWH?