Last updated : December 16, 2024
A private security guard’s role differs from that of military or civilian police forces. They are employed to protect people, money, jewels, buildings, and safety-sensitive information. It’s crucial that these employees are in top form whenever they are on the clock. After all, lives could be at stake! You wouldn’t expect someone in charge of the safety of others to abuse drugs. However, according to various studies, a surprising number of security guards test positive for drugs.
In light of that news, more private security firms are drug testing their employees than ever even though most aren’t required by law to do so. If you are considering employee drug testing, the first step is to find out what the local and state drug testing laws entail.
Those employed in the private security field have important jobs. Employee drug testing in this sector is a necessary step toward ensuring that those who enter into agreements with the security company receive exceptional service.
Why employee drug testing matters
Clients depend on security guards to carry out their duties to the letter. Staying alert and in the moment is a critical aspect of this type of career. People under the influence of drugs aren’t able to function normally. That’s because critical thinking skills and mobility are both adversely affected by drug use.
Drug testing is a means of weeding out employees who use drugs, thereby, making the workplace—yours or those of your clients—a safer place to be. Moreover, once word gets out that you drug test employees, those who use drugs are not even likely to apply for a job with your company. Others who may be casual users could decide it’s not worth the risk of losing their jobs and won’t use any more.
People who use drugs run the risk of forming an addiction. Moreover, even those who aren’t addicted, still risk acting irrationally if they’re high. Therefore, security personnel could be more likely to harm others or get harmed themselves. Drug testing is a means of protecting them, and those around them, from the consequences of acting irresponsibly.
Drug abuse leads to increased instances of absenteeism and decreased productivity. It can lower company morale as a whole too. Especially, in today’s world, most people recognize the signs and symptoms of drug use. It’s not a good feeling when you discern that a coworker may be getting high at work. Make sure your employees know that they can come directly to you or to their supervisors with their suspicions without fear of repercussion from other employees—especially the ones they suspect.
When you can’t think clearly because you’re currently high or suffering the consequences of no sleep the night before, making quick decisions could become nearly impossible. There are certain conditions when working as a private security guard that could prove fatal if an error in judgment occurs.
Drug testing is worth the cost
Employee drug tests aren’t free, but employers who operate a drug-free program will share that the value of the program offsets any expense. And, we’ll note here that several states offer employers a discounted rate on their workers’ compensation premiums when implementing a drug-free program.
Urine tests are most frequently used. They’re the least expensive test available as well. Unless prohibited from doing so in your state, hair follicle and mouth swab drug tests may also be used.
Currently, blood tests are the only drug testing method capable of identifying if the test subject was impaired at the time of the test. However, they are the most expensive, must be administered in a medical setting, and are considered very invasive. It’s easy to see why the majority of employers only use blood tests for post accident situations.
After you decide what drug test you will use, which drugs will you search for? Many employers stick with the basic 5 panel drug test. It identifies cocaine, marijuana, opiates, amphetamines, and phencyclidine (PCP). However, employers are free to make up their own drug testing panel. It’s as simple as picking up the phone and leaving the information with your representative.
If interested in cutting expenses, having a mobile drug testing company, like ours for instance, come on-site to complete your employee drug testing could be the answer you’re looking for. It cuts out time lost running to and from the test site— not to mention the wait time once your employee arrives.
Drug testing scenarios
There are several situations in which employers may request a drug test.
They are:
- Pre-employment drug testing
- Random drug testing
- Reasonable suspicion drug testing
- Post accident testing
- Probationary testing
Document all your policies and procedures in writing before drug testing employees. Employees must be notified of the new protocol well in advance. In fact, some states require at least 30 days’ notice. Write your policies in detail. Specify which type of drug test will be administered and when employees must submit to a drug test. Lastly, detail the exact procedure used when administering the test.
It’s always a good idea to have someone knowledgeable about the drug testing laws in your state to look over your policies and procedures. This will ensure that you don’t unknowingly go against local or state laws that are in place. It will lessen the possibility of being drug into court someday by a disgruntled employee who failed their drug test.
Keeping abreast of the situation
According to several different sources, the private security industry in the United States is currently suffering from substance abuse issues. Even so, businesses that use private security firms to keep their employees, interests, or assets out of harm’s way expect—and should receive—everything stated in their contract.
People expect private security personnel to be reliable and have stellar credentials. Many employers in the private security field use background checks to determine those types of things. Employee drug testing can play an important role in maintaining the integrity of your business too. Most people who abuse drugs won’t apply for a job with a company that does drug tests.
Sounds like a win-win to us. How about you?
