DRINK & DRUGS NEWS :: Q&A

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Thanks to this issue's respondents for their contributions.

Question:

One of our DIP workers, a nurse by profession, is a Special Constable who works at night in uniform. Am I being naive in thinking that this raises serious questions about confidentiality and conflict of interest? [Paul, West Yorkshire]

Your replies...

Dear Paul

I am in a similar position as your DIP worker.

I am a full-time prison officer CARAT worker in a high security prison. I work Monday to Friday 8am until 5pm dealing with my clients' (who are all long-term prisoners) drug and alcohol issues on a one-to-one basis. I also do overtime shifts in my capacity as a uniformed prison officer on the prison landings.

I too was worried about the confidentiality and conflict of interest. I have had no problems at all. The prisoners accept me in both roles. In fact I am often approached for advice on substance issues when I am on the landings and on security matters when I am working with my colleagues in the drug support unit.

As for client confidentiality, I do not breach this when acting in my capacity as prison officer or CARAT worker. It's as simple as that.

I personally think that the dual role of your colleague should be seen as an asset to both the DIP team and the police force. The knowledge and experience gained as a drug worker can be used positively within the police force without breaching client confidentiality. Similarly the knowledge and experience gained from working with the police can be used within the DIP team, providing that boundaries are set regarding confidentiality.

I think that you will find that your colleague will act very professionally in both roles. Look upon both roles as being an asset rather than a concern.

Ian Bowerman

Dear Paul

Firstly your colleague should be commended for their efforts. Nursing is a stressful enough profession as it is. To work as a Special Constable as well, unpaid, shows a tremendous amount of commitment to the local community.

But yes, I think that there might well be a conflict of interests here. If nothing else, there's a good chance your friend might be too tired during the day to effectively carry out their nursing duties. We all need time out of work to unwind and relax.

I'd approach your colleague in a friendly way and suggest they knock the police work on the head. Maybe they could do some charity work at the weekends instead or even the odd evening manning the 'phones at the Samaritans.

Ian, Harrogate

I read your question with interest. I have had similar concerns myself when coming across those who work as specials during their free time and work in or alongside the drug treatment system during the working week.

When I raised the question locally regarding this issue, one sister agency offered the same line (verbatim) that I received from the NTA:

'I am not sure that there is an ethical issue regarding (name omitted) being a special constable. Many organisations encourage their staff to become involved as magistrates or special constables, or engage in other forms of voluntary work, as part of their wider contribution to the community. My personal view is that it is not incompatible for the director of (name omitted) to be a special constable. Indeed, it could be argued that he will be more aware of the legal niceties of data protection than many other people with similar levels of responsibility.'

As a former service user I have a somewhat different perspective and would like to see the debate offered up for user consultation. How many service users would be comfortable knowing that the sensitive data they share with a confidential service is accessible to people who serve in the police force?

Liam Pickford, area manager, CAN, Bedfordshire

Paul,

I can only say one thing to this and it must surely be in the minds of most, if not all, readers.

This is possibly one of the worse cases of conflict of interest I have heard of. Without attempting to be flippant - I understand the term police intelligence is a contradiction - but in this case it's at the crux of the matter. They have personal knowledge, which will not be appropriate in each role.

The situation is an absolute disgrace and I hope I am not being narrow-minded, but it shocks and shakes me to the core that this sort of thing/practice is permitted.

This cannot - and I feel I must put this in the strongest terms - be allowed. This special constable will be tested to the nth degree in their commitment to service user and human rights, and without a doubt will lead to compromise on the side of the easy running of their service - in this case a police force.

I have an opinion that the person is being forgotten, along with the idea of care. We are all becoming, if off-guard, 'officers', not caregivers. This will fit nicely I am sure with the present direction we seem to be, worryingly, going in.

Keep these people/officers away from the vulnerable. Please.

Tony B, Gloucestershire.

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