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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY U.S. ARMY ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND INSTALLATION SUPPORT ACTIVITY PETITIONER
vs.
FEDERAL LABORRELATIONS AUTHORITY RESPONDENT; DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY U.S. ARMY ARMAMENT MUNITIONS AND CHEMICAL COMMAND ROCK ISLAND ILLINOIS PETITIONER v. FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY RESPONDENT
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Issues:
Random testing, search, policy and procedure, reasonable suspicion Fourth Amendment, U.S. Army.
Case Summary:
The U.S. Army appeals a district court ruling granting a preliminary injunction against the implementation of a random urinalysis testing for its civilian employees. The employees, represented by the National Federation of Federal Employees and the American Federation of Government Employees unions, filed for preliminary injunction on the grounds that random testing violated their rights under the Fourth Amendment.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled in favor of the employees and granted a preliminary injunction. The court noted that "suspicionless urinalysis testing constituted an unreasonable search in violation of the Fourth Amendment." Army officials now appeal.
Outcome:
A split decision. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia affirmed the district court ruling in part, noting that governmental interests "do not outweigh" expectations of privacy for workers holding positions unrelated to public safety. However, the court also vacated the district court ruling in part, holding that random, mandatory urinalysis testing for aviators, police/guards and direct service staff is reasonable. The court remanded the provision concerning the reasonableness of the testing program for further action.