(A) The town recognizes that substance abuse is a medical problem which can be successfully completed. Almost all substance abusers deny they have a problem and ordinarily they do not seek treatment voluntarily. This denial is the single most significant obstacle to successful treatment. Recognizing this reality, although the town encourages voluntary substance abuse treatment, the town will take disciplinary action against employees, reserve police officers and volunteer firefighters who violate this policy and do not seek treatment. This action is designed to break through a denial barrier and convince substance abusing employees, reserve police officers or volunteer firefighters of a need for treatment.
(B) Recognition and treatment of substance abuse is important to successful rehabilitation and for reduced personal, family and social disruption. The town encourages the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment for substance abuse and supports sound treatment efforts. However, the decision to seek diagnoses and accept treatment for substance abuse is the individual responsibility of each employee, reserve police officer or volunteer firefighter.
(C) Employees, reserve police officers and volunteer firefighters who voluntarily request assistance in dealing with a substance abuse problem prior to violation of this policy will be offered a leave of absence consistent with the present policies and practices of the Town of Shirley, Indiana.
(D) Voluntary treatment for substance abuse will not prevent disciplinary action for violation of the town’s drug-free workplace policy or other policies, nor will relieve employees, reserve police officers and volunteer firefighters of responsibility for their job performance. Employees, reserve police officers and volunteer firefighters who undergo voluntary counseling or treatment and who continue to work must meet all established standards of conduct and job performance.
(`95 Code, § 28.04) (Ord. 441994, passed 4-4-94)