MENU
SEARCHIn an effort to curb rising insurance costs, Riverside County in Southern California will no longer hire sheriff’s deputies who smoke cigarettes. The policy, if proved successful, could be extended to other county workers.
In an effort to curb rising insurance costs, Riverside County in Southern California will no longer hire sheriff’s deputies who smoke cigarettes. The policy, if proved successful, could be extended to other county workers.
Governments across the nation are creating a trend by refusing to hire cigarette smokers, citing the relationship between tobacco-related health problems such as cancer and heart disease as reasons for the ban.
Law enforcement officers and firefighters receive generous workers compensation coverage when diagnosed with conditions such as cancer, heart problems, or pneumonia because it is presumed they have been caused by job stress, even if smoking may have been a contributing factor.
“Since taxpayers must pay the cost of these presumed conditions, in terms of worker comp benefits and disability requirements, we are seeking to control it as much as humanly possible,” says Ron Komers, director of human resources for Riverside County.
But some wonder if this is going to far, and if more frivolous restrictions may be imposed if this policy becomes the norm.
“A government agency cannot regulate what a person does at home as long as it’s legal, and to my knowledge, smoking is still legal,” says Ramona Ripston, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. “This is still America.”
It could also prove difficult to monitor and enforce the nonsmoking ban.
So far, courts have upheld smoking bans for government jobs. Fall River, Mass., Officer Wayne H. Jeffrey was fired for smoking at a party, off duty. The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled the officer’s termination legal.
Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.
Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →
In this video, hear from Dustin Mowery, a product specialist at Team Wendy, as he discusses how to best use a patrol vehicle for cover.
Read More →
While a patrol vehicle offers some cover protection when taking fire, remain mobile and don’t stick to one piece of cover indefinitely. Dustin Mowery, of Team Wendy, shares what he teaches about using vehicles as cover.
Read More →
Recruit Officer Jon-Marques Psalms, 30, reportedly suffered a medical emergency after completing a training exercise on Wednesday August 20, 2025, at the Academy.
Read More →The webinar titled “Beyond the Plate: Real-Time Video Intelligence for Police Operations” will show how pairing LPR data with live camera feeds delivers faster, safer, and more coordinated responses on everything from stolen vehicles to active BOLOs.
Read More →
A great bicycle officer has a strong service mentality, paramount knowledge of laws, a thirst for new knowledge, and someone who can adapt to change easily. If this describes you, your agency's bicycle unit might be a good fit.
Read More →
You need to train like an elite athlete for the life-and-death challenge you may some day face on the job.
Read More →
The new artificial intelligence feature for MILO’s VR and Focus3D simulators gives trainees a chance to practice and refine their communications skills while working scenarios.
Read More →
