Smokers ignoring a ban will be disciplined

North Wales Police staff will be banned from smoking in all buildings, car parks and grounds from next year.

Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom defended the decision, saying smokers had more time off work and that smoking "is a nasty and dangerous habit".

Members of the North Wales Police Federation have said they are seeking legal advice over the ban.

The force is not the first to introduce a no smoking policy. Staff with South Wales Police are banned from lighting up within their workplace but they can smoke outside.

Smokers generally have a much worse attendance record due to smoking related illnesses and are more likely to suffer injuries at work Chief constable Richard Brunstrom

'Take breaks'

Notification of the ban across north Wales was sent to staff on Thursday after it was ratified by a group consisting of all the force's senior officers.

Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom said smoking "not only damages the health of the addicts themselves but also, through passive inhalation, the health of those around them.

"Smokers generally have a much worse attendance record due to smoking related illnesses and are more likely to suffer injuries at work. Smoking related absence from work also adds to the operational pressure on colleagues," he added.

However, the Police Federation in north Wales have said they will liaise with their solicitors about the initiative.

They admit they were consulted on the issue but no policy had been ratified, they said.

Federation secretary Richard Eccles said the announcement has come at a time when the force faces "much bigger issues" including concerns about promotion, and staff's work-life balance.

He added: "[This policy] has been progressed ahead of others which would benefit the health and safety and welfare of all staff".

Smokers have been told that they can take breaks but they will not be allowed to take extra time away from their desks to "satisfy their habit".

From 1st January 2006 police and civilian staff will have to walk off the premises for a cigarette or give up.

The force said smokers would be allowed to have normal rest breaks - but smoking breaks will not be permitted.

Any smokers who want to take a smoking break will have to book time of duty from a supervisor.

North Wales Police is offering support for anyone wishing to give up smoking.

We asked you whether you thought police officers should be allowed to smoke at work. Below are published a cross-section of your views.

As a Welsh social smoker living in living in Los Angeles I was amazed how quickly I adjusted to and preferred stepping outside to smoke. The ban should be enforced in the UK and what better place to start than with government employees especially those in the public eye and revered by the young.
Chris Lloyd, Los Angeles

Does this chief constable know what he's talking about. I'm a regular smoker and had one day off sick in two years. Whereas most of my colleagues are non smokers an are sick more frequently. We already have a policy of not smoking in the work place, and I agree with it, as it is unfair on non-smokers. Also an incentive for those who smoke in work to quit or at least cut down.
K, N.WALES

Well done Chief Constable Brunstrom! The more restraints that are placed on smokers the better. The hospitals are choked (pardon the pun) with patients suffering from smoking related illnesses.
John Walker, Paphos, Cyprus

If it isn't illegal then he shouldn't be able to ban it - smokers have rights too.
Artela, Ammanford, Wales

I really feel the Chief Constable is really overstepping the mark by trying to tell grown up men and women whether they should or not smoke. Come on, sir, be reasonable, it will be like having a puff behind the bike shed again !!!!!
Evelyn Morris, Hereford

Surely North Wales Police have no right to ban smoking outside their buildings, these grounds are public places and are maintained at the taxpayers expense. There is currently no legislation preventing people from smoking outdoors therefore this ban is an infringement of the human rights of the officers. Richard Brunstrom should concentrate on law enforcement and not interfering in the lives of his officers.
Clive Roberts, Caernarfon Gwynedd

The police here will stand in the streets, talking to the locals and smoking openly. Imagine the fuss in England if a policeman was spotted smoking by a member of the public! As for smoking in workplaces, I've seen bank clerks smoking, while behind their counters. Custom and practise, I guess.
Chris Senior, Valencia Spain

I am a bit concerned that police chief's seems to be trying to run our lives rather than protect them, we saw in London, on Wednesday that the police are trying to grab more powers, is this the N.Wales chief's way of grabbing his little slice of power? Police should be controlled at the leash more...not allowed to snap at passers by
mike, Cardiff

Here we go again!! The media trying to stir up a controversy again. Smoking tobacco is primitive and like in all debates about the use of drugs, the media like taking both sides of the argument to titillate their audience
p.jones, Wellington, NZ

Yes, it is a good thing to ban smoking for Police Officers - it is very important they are fit and healthy to fight crime effectively
Ady Miles, Wolverhampton, UK

If he forces the cops out onto the streets to have a fag, who knows, they might catch a few more criminals than they would find in the canteen...
Jules, Swansea, Wales

Smoking kills!!! these policemen and women have families if you can't breathe you can't live I watched my mum die of lung cancer and wouldn't wish that on anyone
Sue Barker, Barbados

How very reassuring it is to know that there is so little crime in this area that the Chief Constable has time to devote to this issue. Knowing this I feel safer already.
Irene Norman, Conwy, N Wales

Well, about time. The company I work for in the south introduced this policy over two years ago and everyone adjusted very quickly. They also introduced incentives for people to give up smoking. It' s not an acceptable habit at the best of times - just accept that and move on.
David, South Wales

I have great faith in our police forces and feel that they could and should set us all an example, and why not with smoking too.
Geoff Roberts, Swansea

It's difficult at first but in the long run everyone is better off if smoking is banned.
janet, Saginaw, Michigan USA

Hitler was a non-smoker...Churchill?...smoked his head off...I rest my case Chief Inspector...
Terry Garrington, Swansea