The number of substance misuses tests taken from 2021 to May 2025

15 May 2025

Our Refs: FOI2025/03470, 03497 & 03462                                                     

REQUEST UNDER THE FREEDOM OF INORMATION ACT 2000 Ref No’s: FOI2025/03470, 03497 & 03462

****PLEASE NOTE THIS RESPONSE IS A COLLABORATED RESPONSE FROM BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HERTFORDSHIRE CONSTABULARIES****

I write in connection with your request for information received on 22 April 2025.  I note you seek access to the following information:

Request

1. Please tell me, with reference to each of the last four financial years (21/22) (22/23) (23/24) and (24/25), the number of:
   a) Substance misuse tests undertaken at random on your force's officers (not civilian staff).
   b) Substance misuse tests administered with cause on your force's officers (not civilian staff)
   c) Substance misuse tests given on a pre-employment basis to people applying to be a police officer with your force.
   d) The number of positive tests to the number of tests undertaken in total for (a), (b) and (c).
   
   2. Please break down 1d (the number of positive tests) by:
   a) The drug detected (e.g. cannabis, cocaine).
   b) The disciplinary measures resulting (e.g. final warning, dismissed, job offer withdrawn).
   c) Whether the substance misuse test was given at random, with cause or on a pre-employment basis.
   
   NOTE: For pre-employment tests, I do not require that you break down the number of positives by substance detected.

Response

***PLEASE NOTE***

We can only supply data at BCH level, not broken down by Force & in calendar years, as that is how it is recorded.

Furthermore, we cannot differentiate between Officers & Staff Members:

For pre-employment checks, we do not centrally record the number of positive tests, but any positive ones have had their job offer withdrawn:

The numerical data presented in this response is an un-audited snapshot of un-published data sourced from "live" systems and is subject to the interpretation of the original request by the individual extracting the data.

Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter please do not hesitate to contact me quoting the above reference number.

Yours sincerely
Information Rights

Hertfordshire Constabulary provides you the right to request an independent review of this response under its review procedure. If you require such a review, you must notify us within two months from the date of this letter. After lodging a complaint with Hertfordshire Constabulary if you are still dissatisfied with the decision, you may make an application to the Information Commissioner. For information on how to make a complaint please visit their website or contact them on 0303 123 1113.