Still unsure whether officers should face restrictions similar to Toronto and other police forces

Greater Sudbury Police are still developing a policy regarding marijuana use and officers, as forces in other parts of the country are set to impose tough restrictions.

It emerged Tuesday that the RCMP and the Toronto police service both are considering rules that would bar cannabis use by members within 28 days of a shift. The Calgary police service's policy is even stricter, barring the vast majority of officers from consuming marijuana while off duty.

Tom Stamatakis, president of the Canadian Police Association, says officers should be trusted to make the right call when it comes to reporting to work fit for duty.

He wonders why cannabis is being treated differently than other legal products such as alcohol and prescription drugs.

Stamatakis says there has been no meaningful consultation on the creation and implementation of cannabis policies for officers, which vary from force to force.

Sudbury police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said Tuesday they are currently looking at options for a local pot policy.

“We currently and have always had a 'fitness for duty' requirement in place regarding intoxicating substances,” Dunn said. “So that will now also include cannabis.

“We're still reviewing the details around the policy. But right now, we're just trying to determine what will be the best suited for Sudbury.”

The goal is to have something in place by Oct. 17, the day marijuana becomes legal in Canada.

“Public safety and officer safety is our top priority,” Dunn said. “So we have full faith in our personnel to put that at the forefront.”

File from Canadian Press