Richard v. Lafayette Fire & Police Civil Service Board

WEIMER, Justice.1

I,We granted certiorari in this matter to examine whether reasonable suspicion existed to justify ordering a police officer to submit to a non-random drug screen. After reviewing the record, we conclude the appointing authority did not carry its burden of proving reasonable suspicion as outlined in the police department’s policy manual. Thus, we affirm the court of appeal which reversed the dismissal of the police officer.

FACTUAL BACKGROUND

On August 2, 2005, John Keith Richard, a 10-year veteran with the Lafayette City Police Department, was terminated from his position on…