What happens if an officer tests positive for a controlled substance?

• A. Automatic dismissal
• B. No action
• C. Disciplinary action as specified by F.A.C.
• D. Mandatory counseling only

Answer: (C)

Disciplinary action guided by the official policy and due process is the response when an officer tests positive for a controlled substance. The outcome isn’t automatic dismissal or no action, and it isn’t limited to counseling alone. The Florida Administrative Code outlines a range of possible sanctions—such as suspension, mandatory treatment or counseling, reassignment, or termination—based on factors like the substance involved, the officer’s duties, impairment level, prior discipline, and compliance with treatment requirements. The process also ensures due process: verification of results, investigation, and an opportunity for the officer to respond before a final decision is made. The core idea is that consequences are set by formal policy, balancing safety, accountability, and the possibility of rehabilitation.