Substance Misuse Test (drugs test)

Penis Eye

thot i would start a new thread because i figure a lot of people will have a few questions on it! heres the first one

Has anyone received their results from the substance misuse test yet? the letters we get when we recieve the appointment say we will hear the results within 14 days!

carlty888

I had my medical about 3 weeks ago. I got word about passing the medical four days later, but I still haven't heard a thing about the SMT results. I'm now of the opinion that you'll only hear back if there's a problem. No news is good news.

Penis Eye

carlty888 wrote: »

I had my medical about 3 weeks ago. I got word about passing the medical four days later, but I still haven't heard a thing about the SMT results. I'm now of the opinion that you'll only hear back if there's a problem. No news is good news.

well i would like to agree with u but my mind is startin to play tricks on me. the thing is the letter states and i quote

"You will be notified of the result of your substance misuse test within 14 days of your appointment. Please note that a positive result will debar you from appointment to PSNI."

would they not have said u will be notified of the result of your substance misuse test within 14 days of your appontment if your reults are positive?

well i guess ill just have to wait and keep thinkin negative thoughts! (positive is bad in this case)

PandaPants

If anyone actually gets a substance misuse letter, either positive or negative result, I think we would all be grateful if you let us know. Just so we can know whether to expect one.

Penis Eye

PandaPants wrote: »

If anyone actually gets a substance misuse letter, either positive or negative result, I think we would all be grateful if you let us know. Just so we can know whether to expect one.

my thots exactly.

dreamer_ire

No drug test results have been sent to anyone as yet... and they are not likely to be this week either

Penis Eye

dreamer_ire wrote: »

No drug test results have been sent to anyone as yet... and they are not likely to be this week either

thanks for that dude. went a good way to settin my mind at ease, esp the other thread answer but how do u no this? and does this mean they havent decided on the psni stance on level of drugs? e.g. are they waitin till everyones smt results are back before making a decision?

every answer creates so many more questions

dreamer_ire

No, on the policy everything is clear and laid out... it's the admin side they still getting up and running. They not waiting on everyones test... just short of admin at the mo.

I know this cos a mate of mine was involved in writing the policy... happy to help with any questions I can. If I don't know an answer I'll try find out for you!

Penis Eye

dreamer_ire wrote: »

I know this cos a mate of mine was involved in writing the policy...

next time your mate is writing a policy let him stick a bit in about penis eye being exempt from all recruitment processes with an automatic qualification for entry into employment with the psni.

you can let him word it whichever way he wants!

PandaPants

The guy told me that it will take 2 weeks and if it doesn't come in 2 weeks to ring them and quote the number on the form and they will give me the results over the phone.

Has anyone done this??

dreamer_ire

PandaPants wrote: »

The guy told me that it will take 2 weeks and if it doesn't come in 2 weeks to ring them and quote the number on the form and they will give me the results over the phone.

Has anyone done this??

panda you will absolutely not get the results over the phone... no matter who you ring and the collection agents shouldn't be telling you this. Am afraid you'll have to wait til they come out but not sure when that will be. Just remember if you haven't "indulged" there is nothing at all to worry about *s

PandaPants

I'm a bit confused about the process. Is the drug test part of the medical? Can you pass the medical without passing the drugs test? I did mine on a Wed and had the letter by Sat, I'm thinking they can't have the results that quickly, so they must come separately?

carlty888

PandaPants wrote: »

I'm a bit confused about the process. Is the drug test part of the medical? Can you pass the medical without passing the drugs test? I did mine on a Wed and had the letter by Sat, I'm thinking they can't have the results that quickly, so they must come separately?

We're kinda getting mixed messages on this one. Dreamer_ire is saying that the SMT is more closely linked with the vetting and not associated with the medical (He got this info from a friend involved in writting policy). Belfastard however was told by the guy carrying out the test that a medical pass meant that you'd also passed the SMT.

I'm baffled!!!

I, like you, have passed the medical and all I'm worried about now is passing the vetting. The SMT doesn't concern me at all. I've stayed clear of the Lemsnort and the mystery roll-ups.

JVB

I've been reading these posts recently about the drugs test and it is clear that if you have not taken drugs (6+ months or never) then you have nothing to worry about. If you have knowingly taken an illegal substance whilst applying (or intending to apply) to a police force, then are you realistically in the correct state of mind required for police work if you get in?
I know there has been a lot of critisism about other peoples condemnation of those who have had recent contact with drugs, and I am aware that drug misuse is ever more prevalent in todays society. But in my opinion being a police officer means to uphold the law. Part of which is drugs! How can you remain impartial if your views on substance misuse are so ambivalent?

Penis Eye

JVB wrote: »

I've been reading these posts recently about the drugs test and it is clear that if you have not taken drugs (6+ months or never) then you have nothing to worry about. If you have knowingly taken an illegal substance whilst applying (or intending to apply) to a police force, then are you realistically in the correct state of mind required for police work if you get in?
I know there has been a lot of critisism about other peoples condemnation of those who have had recent contact with drugs, and I am aware that drug misuse is ever more prevalent in todays society. But in my opinion being a police officer means to uphold the law. Part of which is drugs! How can you remain impartial if your views on substance misuse are so ambivalent?

thats a fair point, however its not all black and white. i admit drugs is a serious crime but there are other crimes that almost everyone is guilty of. can u honestly say u have never drunk under age? smoked under age? watched a bootleg/ downloaded movie? copied music? all these are minor crimes but as someone pointed out in an earlier post you have to look at the bigger picture!

if i was caught for doing drugs i would serve my punishment without question. if u do the crime u do the time is my philosophy. thats how i remain impartial.

JVB

Penis Eye wrote: »

thats a fair point, however its not all black and white. i admit drugs is a serious crime but there are other crimes that almost everyone is guilty of. can u honestly say u have never drunk under age? smoked under age? watched a bootleg/ downloaded movie? copied music? all these are minor crimes but as someone pointed out in an earlier post you have to look at the bigger picture!

if i was caught for doing drugs i would serve my punishment without question. if u do the crime u do the time is my philosophy. thats how i remain impartial.

You're right PenisEye, and I have said before; we're all guilty of something, it is just the severity that separates us. I am by no means an angel but have never done drugs. I have drunk underage, speeded and watched a bootleg film too (Ooh Pammy! ). So you're correct that all of these things have ramifications. I just believe that if you are applying to the police, worrying about whether you pass/fail their drugs test should not even be an issue.

Thanks for your honest opinion

Maura2145

I can see what you mean JVB and agree to an extent. But who can determine the severity of a crime? That is very much a matter of opinion in my eyes. for instance a few marijuana drags in comparison with harder drugs or dealing in drugs. Or the same crime in comparison to the sometimes deadly crime of speeding. One endangers lives and one supports on a small scale, the drugs trade. Which is worse will vary differ in opinion. So in some instances i dont think severity of crimes can be measured. I guess that is why Police discretionary powers exist.

I do agree that any form of illegality whilst serving as a police officer isnt acceptable. I just dont think civilians should be condemned for past mistakes. Nobodys perfect and my guess is 99% of the serving force arent either. As I said before its the changes you make thats important

dreamer_ire

carlty888 wrote: »

We're kinda getting mixed messages on this one. Dreamer_ire is saying that the SMT is more closely linked with the vetting and not associated with the medical (He got this info from a friend involved in writting policy). Belfastard however was told by the guy carrying out the test that a medical pass meant that you'd also passed the SMT.

Totally understand where you are coming from and I checked with my mate today who said... No notifications regarding the SMT have yet been sent, still some complications with the admin side. The Collection Agents are only contracted to carry out the test for PSNI and as a result do not know enough about our internal processes. Anyone who has not used illegal drugs or significantly misused legal drugs has absolutely nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps

JVB

Maura2145 wrote: »

I do agree that any form of illegality whilst serving as a police officer isnt acceptable. I just dont think civilians should be condemned for past mistakes. Nobodys perfect and my guess is 99% of the serving force arent either. As I said before its the changes you make thats important and i know i wont be makin the mistake again

Maura. I agree as with PenisEye that nobody's perfect and it may be that as I'm ex forces I have a more staunch view on drugs (this may also account for my candid opinions :rolleyes:) But to comment on the highlighted point above. As a civilian or any other member of society, if you have made a mistake that requires a period of rehabilitation, then that is your debt. If, as in 99% of the cases we are discussing here, you have had a 'blip' in the period leading up to your application as a police officer then my point still remains regarding your commitment to your chosen career. It would be the same as me doing 110 mph up the M2 at 3 in the afternoon, 4 weeks before I start training!

I knew this would be a can of worms but as PenisEye openly started a debate in a new thread on a discussion forum I can't help myself

Maura2145

Understood! I took this thread to be an information source as regards how the test works and when the results will be out and what it is linked with etc, rather than a discussion on whether its right or wrong etc. Heard enough of that on the medical forum! But maybe im wrong on that

Anyway JVB, come november you will be able to come and hunt us down and make sure us baddies serve our time

JVB

Maura2145 wrote: »

Understood! I took this thread to be an information source as regards how the test works and when the results will be out and what it is linked with etc, rather than a discussion on whether its right or wrong etc. Heard enough of that on the medical forum! But maybe im wrong on that

Anyway JVB, come november you will be able to come and hunt us down and make sure us baddies serve our time

Lol Maura, you're on. I'll need somebody to use some Dirty Harry movie lines on

Penis Eye

JVB wrote: »

Lol Maura, you're on. I'll need somebody to use some Dirty Harry movie lines on

or we could be the little fish you use to catch the big fish! you no let the little ones go .

good luck when u start any ways mate way i see it everyone is entitled to their own opinions. if we werent there would be no point in havin a forum!

Louisiana 1927

i just wanted to post on this thread!:)

Penis Eye

Louisiana 1927 wrote: »

i just wanted to post on this thread!:)

now your famous lol

Louisiana 1927

Penis Eye wrote: »

now your famous lol

Why thank you!:cool: No pictures please.

Penis Eye

Louisiana 1927 wrote: »

Why thank you!:cool: No pictures please.

dont tell me tell the papparazzi

Ali08

Just noticed this thread n thought I'd let y'all know when I had my hair test done the guy said the samples were to be sent off to Wales for analysis and that he thought, although he wasn't 100% on it, that the results were then sent to the police....hope that sheds some light on the process, timescale n all that. Sounds like we're gonna be kept in suspense for a while yet.

Maura2145

dreamer_ire wrote: »

Totally understand where you are coming from and I checked with my mate today who said... No notifications regarding the SMT have yet been sent, still some complications with the admin side. The Collection Agents are only contracted to carry out the test for PSNI and as a result do not know enough about our internal processes. Anyone who has not used illegal drugs or significantly misused legal drugs has absolutely nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps

Hey Dreamer has your friend given you any updates re SMT test results yet?

Spyral

JVB wrote: »

Maura. I agree as with PenisEye that nobody's perfect and it may be that as I'm ex forces I have a more staunch view on drugs (this may also account for my candid opinions :rolleyes:) But to comment on the highlighted point above. As a civilian or any other member of society, if you have made a mistake that requires a period of rehabilitation, then that is your debt. If, as in 99% of the cases we are discussing here, you have had a 'blip' in the period leading up to your application as a police officer then my point still remains regarding your commitment to your chosen career. It would be the same as me doing 110 mph up the M2 at 3 in the afternoon, 4 weeks before I start training!

jail =/= rehab

also remeber that you will test positive for opiates if you have taken codene but then they will have to test further to make sure it wasn't heroin XD

dreamer_ire

Maura2145 wrote: »

Hey Dreamer has your friend given you any updates re SMT test results yet?

Shoudl be taking to my mate over the next few days so I'll ask if there is anything happenign and let you know

surfrunner

1cm of hair = 1 month history

dreamer_ire

Spoke to my mate and the letters have been printed today, being enveloppe stuffed tomorrow and will be hitting the post mats across NI from Saturday. Letters have been printed up to the test carried out on October 15th. The more recent ones will be done over the coming days/weeks.

Good luck all!

carlty888

I'm assuming that PSNI Recruitment were informed of the results a few weeks ago seeing as some guys from C14 have attended SRN and are due to start on the 16th.

MustBeCrazy

dreamer_ire wrote: »

Spoke to my mate and the letters have been printed today, being enveloppe stuffed tomorrow and will be hitting the post mats across the NI from Saturday. Letters have been printed up to the test carried out on October 15th. The more recent ones will be done over the coming days/weeks.

Good luck all!

Oh that's a bit of excitement to break up all the waiting! It'll be interesting to see if those on the board who have 'admitted' dabbling in certain substances (eg Lemsnort) recently will have positive tests. Would be a bit alarming if they all come back negative :eek:

MBC x

dreamer_ire

carlty888 wrote: »

I'm assuming that PSNI Recruitment were informed of the results a few weeks ago seeing as some guys from C14 have attended SRN and are due to start on the 16th.

I think they have known for a while, it's been an admin problem that's held up getting the letters out.

Penis Eye

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

Oh that's a bit of excitement to break up all the waiting! It'll be interesting to see if those on the board who have 'admitted' dabbling in certain substances (eg Lemsnort) recently will have positive tests. Would be a bit alarming if they all come back negative :eek:

MBC x

dunno if ill use the word interesting. nerve wrecking more like. anyways im all about the positive mental attitude. maybe should be going for the nma instead!

MustBeCrazy

Penis Eye wrote: »

dunno if ill use the word interesting. nerve wrecking more like. anyways im all about the positive mental attitude. maybe should be going for the nma instead!

LOL would be a pity if we lost our board comedian - what were you thinking?! :rolleyes:

Good luck and try not to bite your fingernails down too low over the weekend...

MBC x

bobbin88

Does everyone get a letter then, or do you just get one if you have failed/passed? One or the other?

dreamer_ire

Everyone who has done the test up to Oct 15th will get a letter saying "your application is progressing to the next stage" or "you've failed... here's how you appeal". My understanding is that the letters for those since Oct 15th will be done and posted next week.

Hope that helps

bobbin88

Oh ok. Thanks

PandaPants

I'm actually really worried. I never thought that a couple of puffs on a joint several months ago could have such an effect on my life!!!

Rationally, Im telling myself that such a tiny amount won't show up and since it was a one-off there's no build-up of the stuff in my system....

MustBeCrazy

PandaPants wrote: »

I'm actually really worried. I never thought that a couple of puffs on a joint several months ago could have such an effect on my life!!!

Rationally, Im telling myself that such a tiny amount won't show up and since it was a one-off there's no build-up of the stuff in my system....

I can understand why you're worried. I'm sorry, it was pretty thoughtless of me to say the results would be interesting etc. I was just thinking at least the results will be something different to read about on the boards that have been so quiet recently (and I'm slightly addicted to checking the board :eek:). Hopefully your one off mistake will not ruin things for you. In my (probably not very important) opinion I can't see that small amount so long ago showing up - but as I said I can understand why you're worried. This whole process brings out the paranoia in most of us!
Good luck

MBC x

PandaPants

MustBeCrazy wrote: »

I can understand why you're worried. I'm sorry, it was pretty thoughtless of me to say the results would be interesting etc.
Good luck

MBC x

Not at all! It WILL be interesting! I'm wondering if they fail you for ANY positive result, or if they investigate it further and look into the amount of the substance. I would like to think that they would. I'm sure they can tell the difference between a long-term chronic user and someone who dabbled once or twice.

However, I am completely aware that if mine is postive then it's my own stupid fault.

carlty888

PandaPants wrote: »

Not at all! It WILL be interesting! I'm wondering if they fail you for ANY positive result, or if they investigate it further and look into the amount of the substance. I would like to think that they would. I'm sure they can tell the difference between a long-term chronic user and someone who dabbled once or twice.

However, I am completely aware that if mine is postive then it's my own stupid fault.

Should being a chronic user or a dabbler really make a difference? It's a controlled substance at the end of the day.

Maybe I'm being very black and white (wouldn't be the first time), but do you think dabbling would be tolerated if we got in?

Having said that, I would doubt that a "couple of puffs on a joint several months ago" would show up on the tests. :rolleyes:

I hope you come up clear.

Maura2145

I was informed by a reliable source in police recruitment that it was up for debate whether to have a zero tolerance policy or not due to the practical repercussions it would have on the campaign... I was later told by the JMJ lab that it was a zero tolerance policy but that they were mainly looking for chronic use (contradicting statement i know)...But it does kind of show that its not all black and white...

Also - as well as the implementation of pre-recruitment testing they are introducing random urine tests post recruitment. (In my opinion these are the more important of the 2 tests)...but Im sure they wont see it like that. Its hard to know what is going to happen here but I would imagine there is no point in spending all that money on drugs testing unless its going to be zero tolerance..

In saying that I think you may be ok panda. because of the minimal amount. If it is true that one may test positive for marijuana if they have taken ibuprofen or vitamin b2, then consumption must have to reach a certain level before it can be deemed to definitely be marijuana. There must be a range... also that lady in the lab told me that the past month will show the clearest results, the further back they go(taking damaged hair etc into consideration) it will be detectable but not AS detectable...Im suprised actually-I thought the lab workers would be very much "any substance will definitely come up no matter what or how much"...But she wasnt really

smyff

i thought they tested for THC. is therre THC in those things?

Maura2145

yes they do test for that. But i mean that some tests have been known to give false positives. Such as codene giving false positives for heroin, ibuprofen for cannibis etc. But that may depend on the quality of tests or whatever, im not sure.

I guess thats why they make u declare any medication atall that you have taken when you are doing the hair test

PandaPants

I was so paranoid about them finding some medication I'd forgotten about and thinking I'm a fibber. I even brought along the packet of throat lozenges I'd bought and eaten in America the month before and wrote down the name and ingredients!

dreamer_ire

You'll be fine Panda *s

TheNog

PandaPants wrote: »

I'm actually really worried. I never thought that a couple of puffs on a joint several months ago could have such an effect on my life!!!

Rationally, Im telling myself that such a tiny amount won't show up and since it was a one-off there's no build-up of the stuff in my system....

I don't think it is a good idea to be posting anyones drug habit or lack of it on a recruitment thread of a Police force. Anyone can be reading this and get the wrong impression.

Ali08

Good Luck everybody in your SMT results! hopefully they'll be out tomorrow so we can get on with the rest of the waiting.:).

:pac::D;):rolleyes::):p:o:mad::(:P:cool::eek:

You are only allowed 15 images per message :eek:.