There were times when internal affairs investigators encountered officers being investigated for misconduct, and while interviewing the officer they realized that "this one is crazy." However, there was no remedy available to refer the officer for further action / follow up. We continued the investigation, turned in the findings and in most cases the officer was returned to work. Some were okay, while others developed problems and were later terminated on other charges.

For the most part, we do a good job on our investigations and getting to the truth. However, we are not taking it to the next step; that is to send an officer for a fitness for duty exam. Why should we take this step and how should we determine if it is necessary? When would it be appropriate to complete the exam? Who should do the fitness for duty examination? What should the department expect when it is complete? Are we obligated to enact recommendations made by the psychologist? These are valid questions that need answers.

If you have never dealt with a fitness for duty (FFD) examination I highly recommend that you begin to educate yourself about them. There are many experts on the subject in the field. A start would be Fitness for Duty, Principles, Methods, and Legal Issues by Dr. Anthony Stone Ph. D, M.P.H. (ISBN 0-8493-2286-3). This will take you on a tour from beginning to end on FFD evaluations.

Fitness for duty exams are great tool to put a good officer back on track and weed out the bad. I suggest you have an appropriate practitioner on call for situations that may arise. They can intervene in situations such as after shooting evaluations, Post Traumatic Stress, and after disaster evaluations. These professional also handle pre-employment examinations.

You should have policies and procedures in place for fitness for duty. In the policy it should state who can recommend the fitness for duty and who makes the decision for the fitness for duty. Supervisors, internal affairs, and command staff should have recommendation authority. The ultimate decision will rest upon the Executive Officer or their designee for the final decision.