Reasonable suspicion, alcohol testing, due process, policy and procedure, Fourth Amendment.

A former employee of the New Jersey Transit Bus Operations, Inc., charges the agency with a violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Transit officials terminated Frances Lee Patterson's employment for violating the agency's drug and alcohol policy. A supervisor reported smelling alcohol on Patterson's breath. Patterson, a telephone operator for the transit agency, submitted to a urine test and posted a positive result. Transit officials subsequently terminated Patterson's employment. Patterson filed suit, claiming the agency violated her right to due process. Patterson also claimed transit officials failed to adequately explain the policy against alcohol and drugs in the workplace. Transit officials argued Patterson's conduct clearly violated the agency's established policy. The officials responded with a motion for summary judgment.

This is the first judicial review of this case.

Patterson loses. The U.S. District Court for District of New Jersey, granted a motion for summary judgment. The court dismissed Patterson's claims with prejudice.