NYPD will continue to test officers for cannabis despite conflicting orders from the Legal Department

Through Nina Zdinjak

Hours after news hit the headlines that the New York City Police Department (NYPD) will not randomly test police officers or job applicants for cannabis, the information was withdrawn.

What happened

It was first reported Wednesday that the NYPD would stop drug testing officials for marijuana after receiving the New York City Law Department’s (NYCLF) order. But several hours later, police released a new statement saying they would continue their previous policy of drug testing pending further discussions with city officials, the Times Union reported.

Photo by Sven Mieke via Unsplash

RELATED: New Jersey police officers can legally use cannabis if they don’t

An internal memo from the department’s assistant legal affairs officer, seen by the outlet, said the department plans to align its policies with state labor laws, which prohibit adverse actions against employees for recreational cannabis use. However, the document notes that the department will continue to test for cannabis “if there is a reasonable suspicion that the member will be adversely affected by marijuana at work.”

“The reason for this determination is that there is no test for marijuana that is conclusive for current intoxication, so it is impossible to determine from a drug test alone whether an employee is positive for improper use in the workplace or use while on statutory break.” was tested for marijuana -hour use,” the memo said.

Wait, we’re taking it back!

Several hours after the policy changes were announced, NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell issued a memo to all commanders stating, “Existing departmental policies prohibiting the use of marijuana remain in effect. Members of the service are not permitted to use cannabis on or off duty and will continue to be subject to random, scheduled and reasoned drug testing.”

Meanwhile, the New York Fire Department said it will no longer randomly test its employees and job applicants for cannabis use and will maintain their right to be tested for suspected marijuana-related impairment.

It’s still unclear why the first memo was released and what will happen to the policy once talks between the department and city officials are complete.

This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.