WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government Substance Abuse Policy provides that Metro employees in sensitive positions that are responsible for the health, safety and welfare of the general public are subject to random testing for controlled substances and alcohol; and

WHEREAS, the police department and fire department have implemented drug testing policies and procedures to ensure that those employees responsible for protecting the public are not impaired while on the job; and

WHEREAS, applicants for Emergency Communications Center positions are not subject to pre-employment drug screening, nor are employees currently subject to random drug testing, although they perform sensitive public health and safety duties by being the first line of communication in emergency situations; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the safety and welfare of the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County that applicants for positions at the Emergency Communications Center be tested for drugs prior to employment, and that employees of the communications center be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Civil Service Commission and the Emergency Communications District board to reinstate a policy of pre-employment drug screening and random drug testing of communications center employees.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution by U.S. mail, interdepartmental mail, or electronic mail to RoxAnn Brown, the Director of the Emergency Communications Center, to each member of the board of directors of the Emergency Communications District, and to each member of the Civil Service Commission.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Rip Ryman, Buck Dozier, Michael Craddock