Section 270-RICR-10-00-1.7 - Alcohol and Other IntoxicantsA. Use of Alcohol on Duty or in Uniform Members shall not consume intoxicating beverages while on duty or while wearing any part of the uniform, unless required to do so while conducting an investigation under the specific authorization of their commanding officer. Members shall not appear for work, nor be on duty while under the influence of intoxicants to any degree. Members shall not consume any alcoholic beverage during the four (4) hours prior to the start of their regular tour of duty.
B. Abuse of Alcohol Off-Duty Off-duty members shall refrain from consuming intoxicants to the extent that said consumption may contribute to conduct unbecoming as described in these Rules or render them unfit to report for duty if ordered back in an emergency.
C. Alcoholic Beverages in Division Facilities Members shall not possess, use, or store alcoholic beverages in any Division facility or vehicle, unless held as part of official police investigations.
D. Use of Authorized Prescription Medication Members directed by competent medical authority to use a prescription drug while on-duty shall notify their superior officer if the medication prescribed indicates any side effects that could affect the ability of the member to perform their duties. Duty limitations resulting from the use of any prescription medication shall be noted. Superior officers shall determine whether the member is able to perform regular duties, be reassigned to other duty, or placed on sick leave.
E. Suspected Intoxication 1. If a superior officer has reasonable suspicion to believe a member is under the influence of an intoxicating beverage and/or drugs while on duty, the member shall be immediately required to submit to tests to determine intoxication.2. Reasonable suspicion must be supported by specific facts which may include, but are not limited to the officer's appearance, speech, behavior or odors; reports and observations of the officer's alcohol or drug related activities; unexplained changes in behavior or work performance; observed impairment in ability to perform duties.3. Any refusal to submit to testing shall be considered a positive result.4. Alcohol breath testing shall be performed in accordance with Rhode Island Department of Health protocols, by certified collection personnel.5. If a blood sample is required, a supervisor will take the member to a medical facility for extraction of the sample. The time lapse between the initial report of the member's condition and the intoxication tests shall be accurately recorded. Any person required to submit a blood sample shall be afforded the opportunity, at his/her own cost, to have an additional blood chemical test.270 R.I. Code R. 270-RICR-10-00-1.7
Amended effective 3/12/2023