Brunstrom is at it again (this time against smokers)
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Telegraph article
Police vacancies: non-smokers only
By Nigel Bunyan
(Filed: 12/11/2005)
A chief constable at war with speeding motorists launched a new offensive yesterday - against smokers who might seek jobs in his force.
Richard Brunstrom, of North Wales Police, has authorised an internal advertisement that specifically bars smokers from becoming traffic officers.
Richard Brunstrom
He has also ordered staff who smoke at work to end their "nasty and dangerous habit'' or face disciplinary action.
The advertisement has infuriated many officers. Richard Eccles, the secretary of the North Wales Police Federation, said: "We will take legal advice on it. It is not how you should be treating members of your staff.''
It is thought unlikely that Mr Brunstrom will back down. Already, one of his subordinates, Chief Supt Geraint Anwyl, has issued a "robust'' defence of the advert, placed by the operational services department, which includes the dog and firearms units.
"These units require the very highest levels of physical fitness and general health," he said. "To protect the resilience of these critical units, it is essential that absences from the workplace are very carefully managed."
He added that the force's policy reflected "evidence which proves that smoking is injurious to health".
North Wales Police placed the advert shortly after Mr Brunstrom announced that smoking would be banned in all force buildings, car parks and grounds from next year.
South Wales Police has already banned smoking at work. However, officers and staff are allowed to smoke outside.
Publishers wishing to reproduce photographs on this page should phone 44 (0) 207 538 7505 or e-mail syndication@telegraph.co.uk
Police vacancies: non-smokers only
By Nigel Bunyan
(Filed: 12/11/2005)
A chief constable at war with speeding motorists launched a new offensive yesterday - against smokers who might seek jobs in his force.
Richard Brunstrom, of North Wales Police, has authorised an internal advertisement that specifically bars smokers from becoming traffic officers.
Richard Brunstrom
He has also ordered staff who smoke at work to end their "nasty and dangerous habit'' or face disciplinary action.
The advertisement has infuriated many officers. Richard Eccles, the secretary of the North Wales Police Federation, said: "We will take legal advice on it. It is not how you should be treating members of your staff.''
It is thought unlikely that Mr Brunstrom will back down. Already, one of his subordinates, Chief Supt Geraint Anwyl, has issued a "robust'' defence of the advert, placed by the operational services department, which includes the dog and firearms units.
"These units require the very highest levels of physical fitness and general health," he said. "To protect the resilience of these critical units, it is essential that absences from the workplace are very carefully managed."
He added that the force's policy reflected "evidence which proves that smoking is injurious to health".
North Wales Police placed the advert shortly after Mr Brunstrom announced that smoking would be banned in all force buildings, car parks and grounds from next year.
South Wales Police has already banned smoking at work. However, officers and staff are allowed to smoke outside.
Publishers wishing to reproduce photographs on this page should phone 44 (0) 207 538 7505 or e-mail syndication@telegraph.co.uk
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