Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 01:42 pm
Private security guards differ from military and police staff. They safeguard people, money, tools, buildings, and sensitive data/information. Workplace alcohol and drug abuse in the private security sector risks individuals and businesses. Studies claim that most security guard personnel in the USA show positive drug and substance reports. Illegal substance use and drug abuse in the workplace results in lower productivity, absences, violent behavior, and criminal activities. Therefore, private security drug testing is vital.
Drug and Substance Abuse in the Personal Security Guard Industry
Drug and substance abuse in the workplace negatively impacts the private security industry and costs money. It involves productivity loss, workplace accidents and injuries, low morale, increased absenteeism, and unprofessional behavior. Studies claim that alcohol and drug abuse in offices differ by occupation and industry. Most transportation and warehousing security guards admit to using illicit substances and drugs and depend on heavy drinking. Hence, employee drug screening is essential.
Why Conduct Drug and Alcohol Screening?
There are multiple reasons companies conduct drug testing on security personnel.
- Eliminate alcohol and drug abuse
- Deter from hiring applicants who use illegal substances and drugs
- Offer early establishments of different types of addictions
- Refer to rehabilitation and treatment programs for employees with alcohol and drug addictions
Background screening is the standard practice within the private security industry. Employment screening identifies undetected red flags. It helps security companies hire only genuine and good quality candidates for protecting people and assets.
Pre-Employment Drug Testing
Pre-employment drug screening helps to prevent recruiting applicants who are alcohol addicts and use drugs. Pre-employment screening is cost-effective because alcohol addicts and drug users deter from applying for such private security job openings. The screening helps to save resources for employers.
Post-Accident or Post-Surgery Drug Screening
Post-accident drug screening is an excellent method to curtail office accidents. Often, after a significant accident or surgery, individuals intake pain management drugs, which are addictive. Thus, post-surgery and post-accident drug testing are crucial.
Random Drug Testing
Random workplace drug screening is the most efficient and cost-saving idea to encourage a drug-free and alcohol-free work environment. It is also the fastest way to identify drug addicts and alcohol addicts in the private security industry. As the name suggests, employers conduct random drug tests on security personnel.
Suspicion Drug Testing
Suspicion drug screening is standard in the security industry. When employers suspect security personnel of potential alcohol and drug abuse, they must undergo drug tests. It minimizes potential litigation cases and liability resulting from drug abuse.
Urine Testing for Drug and Illicit Drug Screening
Based on the circumstances, employers in the security industry conduct different types of alcohol and drug screening. The employers ensure that private security drug testing is mandatory for all candidates. It helps companies maintain an alcohol- and drug-free environment and promote a harmonious and safe work environment. Laboratories use blood, urine, and saliva to screen substance use and drug abuse. Urine testing is the most favored method most private security guard employers implement.
Benefits of Urine Testing
- Affordable than blood and saliva testing
- Convenient and easy to use
- Higher accuracy than other methods
- Available in various forms, like testing dip cards, dip strips, and testing cassettes
Urine testing is the most technologically advanced method to detect drugs and illegal substances, even after seven days of most medicines. Furthermore, urine testing detects heavy marijuana use after a month. Thus, urine testing gives better scopes for private security guard employers to keep a stringent check on their employees.
Employees in the industry who value their work and are responsible avoid using drugs and illicit substances or practicing heavy drinking. They are aware that they are under the scrutiny of employers. Moreover, regular and random drug screening deter serious employees from drug abuse.
Conclusion
The private security industry in the USA has been subject to serious drug controversies over the years. Studies reveal that security officers and personnel are drug and alcohol addicts and engage in criminal activities. Businesses entrust the security and safety of clients and assets to private security companies. Reliable security personnel possess stellar credentials without a history of drug abuse and criminal records. It is authenticated via comprehensive private security drug testing.
