Who has the final say in determining whether a member should be tested for drugs?

The correct choice regarding who has the final say in determining whether a member should be tested for drugs is the Deputy Chief. The Deputy Chief often holds a significant position in the departmental hierarchy, where they are responsible for operational decisions, including personnel management and compliance with policies regarding drug testing.

This role typically involves oversight of the implementation of protocols associated with member conduct, which includes drug testing. The Deputy Chief acts as an intermediary between the department’s leadership and the ranks, ensuring that testing decisions align with both departmental policies and applicable laws.

While the District Chief and the Chief of Department play crucial roles in broader departmental governance and policy-making, the Deputy Chief often directly manages the day-to-day operational aspects, including determinant authority over drug testing cases. The Medical Examiner's involvement is typically limited to medical assessments and does not extend to decision-making regarding drug testing within a department.