Information about the role of a drug tester, including the role purpose, key responsibilities and the skills required.
About the role
A drug tester sits within the investigation sector of policing. It's a service deliverer role in the policing professional profiles.
Role purpose
The drug tester provides one or more of the following to allow a quick case disposal decision to be made for possession-only drug cases in accordance with evidential drug identification testing (EDIT) and the Forensic Capability Network (FCN) guidance:
- identification of cannabis and cannabis resin
- identification of cocaine, diamorphine (heroin), morphine, amphetamine, MDMA, ketamine and mephedrone
To facilitate a remand, either in custody or on conditional bail, the drug tester provides identification of suspected controlled drugs before the suspected controlled drugs are sent to a forensic drug scientist for full identification, in accordance with Home Office Circulars 015/2012 and 005/2017.
In cases that involve cannabis or cannabis resin, full identification can be carried out by a drug tester who is trained and authorised by their force or organisation, in accordance with Home Office Circulars 015/2012 and 005/2017.
Key responsibilities
- Handling exhibits from investigations in line with agreed standard operating procedures to maintain the integrity, continuity and security of the evidence, whilst taking health and safety into account for the purpose of investigative processes and court proceedings.
- Carrying out a physical examination of cannabis and cannabis resin to confirm item is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for the purposes of criminal proceedings.
- Using Home Office (HO) approved drug testing kits (DTKs) and/or drug testing devices (DTDs) to confirm an item is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 for the purposes of criminal proceedings. This includes carrying out an examination of:
- cocaine
- diamorphine (heroin)
- morphine
- amphetamine
- MDMA
- ketamine
- mephedrone
- Producing an evidential report or statement necessary for the identification of the suspected controlled drugs. Reporting the presumptive identification of the suspected controlled drug and recording results in line with the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA), FCN guidance and other legislation or regulations to support the criminal justice process.
- Report details of all drug testing results to the officer in the case including any issues that may have affected the test result, to ensure all information is accurately communicated.
Competencies, values and core skills
The competency and values framework (CVF) provides clear expectations for everyone working in policing. It describes the behaviours required by police officers and staff to be effective in their roles and uphold the Code of Ethics for policing.
Competencies
The CVF has six competencies, which are split into levels. These levels can be used flexibly to allow for a better fit with frontline and non-frontline policing roles, and at different levels of seniority. This ensures that there is consistency throughout all the policing professional profiles. Some roles may contain different CVF levels due to the specialist nature of the role. Those working at higher levels should also fulfil the requirements of the lower levels.
This role should be operating at or working towards the following competencies.
- We are emotionally aware – Level 1: practitioner
- We take ownership – Level 1: practitioner
- We collaborate – Level 1: practitioner
- We support and inspire – Level 1: practitioner
- We analyse critically – Level 1: practitioner
- We are innovative and open-minded – Level 1: practitioner
Values
The CVF has three values that apply to everyone in policing, regardless of their role or seniority.
Core skills
All roles in policing have nine core skills in common. These are split into levels that represent the different levels of policing. This role should be operating at or working towards the following core skills.
- Communicating and influencing – Level 1
- Problem solving – Level 1
- Performance management – Level 1
- Relationship management – Level 1
- Change management – Level 1
- Managing people – Level 1
- Managing resources – Level 1
- Planning – Level 1
- Use of IT – Level 1
Education, qualifications and experience
Previous education, qualifications and experience
The following training can be undertaken once in-role, but the role holder is excluded from carrying out tests until the relevant course is completed:
- theory and practice of drug testing in accordance with HO Circular 005/2017 Annex B, for physical identification of cannabis or cannabis resin, and for using Home Office approved testing kits
- theory and practice of EDIT testing in accordance with HO Circular 005/2017 Annex B, for using Home Office approved testing devices
Demonstrable operational knowledge and experience gained through day-to-day policing or another role which demonstrates an understanding of illicit drugs. This item can be achieved in-role where the role holder does not have previous knowledge or experience.
In-role education, qualifications and experience
- Gain awareness of CPIA 1996 compliant disclosure and relevant CPR requirements.
- Gain understanding of illicit drugs (where role holder does not have previous knowledge).
Where applicants have not previously completed training, they are excluded from carrying out testing until they have completed the following training:
- theory and practice of drug testing in accordance with HO Circular 005/2017 Annex B, for physical identification of cannabis or cannabis resin, and for using Home Office approved testing kits
- theory and practice of EDIT testing in accordance with HO Circular 005/2017 Annex B for using Home Office approved testing devices
Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development (CPD) enables everyone in policing to develop and gain recognition for their professional skills, knowledge and competence.
CPD ensures that we continue to provide high-quality policing to keep the public safe and help to drive career aspirations. Discussion of CPD is usually included as part of professional development review (PDR) conversations.
Learning and accreditation
- Maintenance of drug tester accreditation through demonstration (such as maintaining a record of tests completed) and assessment of continued competence against professional standards and evidence of CPD, in line with the College of Policing model.
- Complete all core training as required by the force.
- Any exemptions to learning and accreditation requirements are at chief constable discretion, in line with the local force policy.
Professional development
This role should consider the following CPD:
- giving and receiving mentoring and coaching from colleagues and other specialists
- maintaining knowledge of emerging trends and applicable legislation
Related roles
You can find other service deliverer roles in the: