For many fire departments, drug testing has been very controversial. Some believe a drug-free workplace is a violation of their constitutional rights by requiring them to submit to a test.

They suggest it is an illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. Some collective bargaining agreements rely on the reasonable suspicion standard to test for drug use.

What are your thoughts on fire departments that have negotiated drug-screening policies for illicit drugs—excluding marijuana and prescribed marijuana products when conventional medications to treat ailments do not work?

Do you believe there are responsible expectations that firefighters will not be impaired, resulting in potential danger to both themselves and others? Why, or why not?