The Alcohol and other Drugs policy will come into effect on April 14 and will see targeted and incident-related alcohol and drug testing.

Pending amendments to the Police Service Act, random drug testing will also be introduced.

Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said Tasmania Police was committed to workplace health and wellbeing.

“There has always been a requirement that police officers on duty, availability or standby for recall to duty are not to be affected by alcohol or drugs,'' Mr Tilyard said.

''Under the policy ‘affected by alcohol’ is determined to be in excess of 0.02 grams of alcohol. This allows a level of discretion and flexibility. 

“There is of course a zero tolerance on the illicit use of drugs.” 

The consequences for officers testing positive for alcohol or illicit drugs range from counselling and support to dismissal and court proceedings.