Over the past several weeks, the Dallas Police has seen a significant increase in alcohol related arrests involving both our officers and professional staff. All of us carrying the heavy burden and risks of public safety and sometimes the weight gets heavier than normal.

Enjoying life outside of this profession is something we all want to encourage as it is key to survival and thriving in your home life as well as your work here with the Dallas Police Department. We want everyone to enjoy life, their family, and friends once you double six from your shift, but we want you to do it responsibly and know that your role here is valued but is held to higher standards. These standards are a small part of working for a major police department in America and all the scrutiny and rewards that comes with it.

In today's world of readily available ride share services we want to encourage you to please utilize these services, call a friend or a loved one to get you home.

The risks involved:

• Accidents and injuries
• Legal Penalties
• Administrative inquiries
• Emotional Toll on Family and Loved Ones
• Financial Ruin/Stability
• Loss of Career

In Texas, a Driving While Intoxicated conviction can lead to the revocation of a TCOLE, especially for serious misconduct. A conviction within the last 10 years is generally a disqualifier for being able to possess a Texas Peace Officer License.

Your life and your hard work are worth much more than any buzz, good time, or inconvenience of using ride share or calling for a ride.

1. Why did the Department create the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure?

The purpose of this procedure is to provide employees of the police department with support and confidential care to help them overcome the detrimental use of alcohol before their career and personal life are irreparably damaged.

2. Will participation in the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure be confidential?

The Wellness Unit will be the liaison for the involved employee and will ensure confidentiality throughout the process to the fullest extent as allowed by applicable law. Documents that contain confidential medical information will be maintained separately from the employee’s Personnel File and Unit Jacket.

3. How do I participate in the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure?

You should contact the Wellness Unit to walk you through the options and to process and help with all steps, including onboarding and possible funding sources.

4. How many paid leave days are authorized?

Up to 30 working days are authorized for any employee participating in the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure. Any additional absence from work needed for treatment beyond 30 days will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

5. Is the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure limited to alcohol?

Yes, the program is specifically designated for alcohol abuse and/or dependency.

6. Will participation in the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure affect my seniority?

No, participation in the program will not affect an employees’ seniority, pay, or days off; nor will it be considered in promotion or reassignment decisions.

7. What happens once the in-patient treatment program is completed?

The employee will return to their assignment with no restrictions unless it is determined by a medical professional that restricted or light duty is needed. The employee will need to provide the Wellness Unit with the printed release form from the program. The Wellness Unit will assist in scheduling the employee’s return-to-work date.

8. What happens if I leave the in-patient treatment program prior to the recommended completion of the program?

If the employee withdraws from the in-patient treatment program for any reason prior to the completion date recommended by the treatment provider, the employee may be awarded administrative leave for the time spent in the program depending on the circumstances surrounding the employee’s departure from the program. The employee will not be eligible for any additional paid administrative leave.

9. If I leave the in-patient treatment program prior to the recommended completion of the program, will I be allowed to return to work?

The employee will not be cleared to return to work unless the employee provides a release from the program treatment provider, which includes the number of days spent in the program and a full release to return to work. The employee will then return to regular duty.

10. What if I do not obtain a release to return to work from the program treatment provider?

The employee will remain off work and may seek approval for other types of leave, such as Family & Medical Leave, pursuant to the City’s normal leave approval procedures. In such cases, the employee will need to provide a release to full duty from an appropriate medical provider prior to returning to work and may also be required to attend a fitness for duty evaluation with a physician chosen by the department.

11. How many times can I participate in the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure?

It is anticipated that the program will only be utilized once by an employee. However, requests to use the program more than once will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Wellness Unit supervisor.

12. What if there is someone I believe will benefit from the program?

Will the Wellness Unit contact the employee? If so, will the employee know that I referred them? If you believe another employee of the department is struggling with alcohol abuse, you can make a confidential referral to the Wellness Unit, in person or by telephone. If an in-person or verbal referral is made, the Wellness Unit will not document the identity of the employee making the referral if the referring employee wishes to remain anonymous. The Wellness Unit cannot guarantee confidentiality of referrals made in writing. After receipt of the referral, the Wellness Unit will reach out to the employee and offer educational information regarding resources that are available. The verbal interaction between the employee and the Wellness Unit will be kept confidential.

13. What if I need help but I am already suspected of being involved in an alcohol related incident/investigation?

Participation in the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure is strictly provided for employees who voluntarily come forward prior to being involved or suspected of an alcohol-related administrative or criminal violation.

14. What if I need help but I have already been notified that I am the subject of a drug and alcohol test?

You must follow the department’s established procedures for drug and alcohol testing. Participation in the Alcohol Rehabilitation Leave Procedure is strictly provided for employees who voluntarily come forward prior to being notified of a pending drug and alcohol test.

The phrase "demon in a bottle" in the context of alcohol refers to the struggle with addiction, portraying alcohol as a powerful force or "demon" that can take control over a person's life.

It highlights the negative impacts of excessive drinking, which can manifest as isolation, conflict with loved ones, loss of control, or poor decision making.

The police profession is a noble and heroic job that we are put into unique positions to enter someone's life with the goal of protecting them from others or themselves.

We want to remind our people that being a hero, helping others, and seeing people at their worst moments can come at a cost and our heroes aren't always the best at saving themselves.

The Dallas Police Wellness Unit has resources for our people, and we encourage you to use them.

Please reach out.

Employee Relations Team @ 214-671-4448

the EAP program is a network of counseling resources for our sworn and professional staff.

Once on the site to register:

Use Web ID: BCBSTXEAP for the Organization Web ID to register your account.

Call: (844) 213-8968 if you have any difficulties.

dpdwellness@dallaspolice.gov

214-671-4716 *On call staff