Final answer:
A reasonable suspicion report is necessary when there is reasonable suspicion of workplace substance abuse leading to testing, maintaining safety and legal compliance, while searches must be justified and proportionate to avoid violating Fourth Amendment rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
A reasonable suspicion report should be completed when there is a reasonable suspicion of workplace substance abuse leading to substance testing. This is in line with regulations and laws designed to maintain a safe working environment and ensure that employees adhere to substance abuse policies. The policy stems from various legal frameworks, including the Prevention and Treatment Act, which mandates best practice standards for risk and safety assessment in relation to substance abuse.
Legally, a search based on reasonable suspicion should be justified and proportionate to the level of suspicion. As seen in the arguments for Safford Unified School District, Principal Wilson's suspicion justified the search of a student's belongings. However, the extent of any search, including searches for illicit substances at a school or workplace, must be reasonable and not infringe upon an individual's rights as protected under the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
It is also important to note that workplace laws protect those with disabilities, requiring reasonable accommodations. An employer cannot discriminate against workers for exercising their rights to a safe workplace as outlined by OSHA standards, which underscores the importance of not only enforcing policies around substance abuse but also protecting the rights of employees.