Should We Drug Test All Police And Politicians?

[spathiphyllum]

What are your thoughts?

[THECORBYLOON]

SPATH, as with many suggestions, the cost of implementation has to be weighed against the current risk and the likely outcome of the implementation.

Without knowing the starting point, ie what percentage of MPs and police take drugs, how would you know if the figures justify thousands of random tests?

[dannyk13]

Spath, just because one or two individuals have taken drugs you cannot insist that the whole of that profession be drug tested.

[bhg481]

How do you know the percentage of police/MPs take drugs if you don't test them?

[spathiphyllum]

My main point, is less personal to individual MPS and more, with great power, comes solid responsibility. So, those with that should not take drugs. Monthly tests would not be hard to implement. I don't need to know the current %. All i need to know is no one with absolute power is a druggo.

[THECORBYLOON]

Would you test them for blood alcohol levels too? What about mental health issues or financial concerns? How far would you go with the checks?

[spathiphyllum]

I think we could start with drugs, and then asses their mental health issues. For example someone with bipolar wouldn't make a great MP. Is that fair to say? Yes i think it is.

[ChillDoubt]

Yes.....and if we did, a few of my NHS colleagues would either have to change jobs or make new lifestyle choices!

[spathiphyllum]

As alcohol is a legal substance and as long as they were not 'drunk on the job' or abusing it (As that would show poor characteristics for a MP) alcohol should be fine.

[emmie]

no we shouldn't, you would have to then consider the army, navy, etc, why would you even think of it, a bad idea.

[spathiphyllum]

financial concerns?

HAHAHA ok.. ok ok, joeks aside we know a MP isn't going to hit any financial concerns but if they did (with their wages) then that would be a massive cause for concern as they could potentially be in control of the countries finances on a whole.

[spathiphyllum]

In August 2017, the BBC reported a high rate of positive compulsory drug test results from British Army personnel

[ichkeria]

Saying that we should not drug test all police and politicians is not the same as saying it is alright for politicians to deliver speeches when high on drugs. If any policeman or politician was thought to be dispensing their duties while under the influence THEN you could take appropriate action.

[spathiphyllum]

Speeches? Who cares how they come across... It's when they're locked up in their hide aways whilst making very important decisions that affect the general public.

[THECORBYLOON]

SPATH, financial concerns could cover folk having a lot of money as well as not enough.

If an MP had millions of pounds which could not be explained, questions could be asked. The same could be applied to the police.

[bhg481]

No-one, regardless of salary, is above having financial problems. As an MoD employee I was subjected to regular security checks, which included financial matters. Anyone in a position of authority is open to blackmail and needs to be monitored.

[emmie]

if the army catches you, surely you are out.

[spathiphyllum]

BHG i completely agree and i can imagine from your experience in life that you see the benefits of drug testing these people with responsibility and power.

[spathiphyllum]

Emmie...

"Sorry, you can't sacrifice your life for our country because you're too high, you know drugs can kill you right?"

They're machines as long as they work correctly those who operate them don't really care.

[Spicerack]

A few legless (drunk) MP's have been carried through the voting lobby or whatever you call it.

[Spicerack]

And the Army have regular drug tests and sack the failures. Jeez, where do some of you people live?