Though the policy is a tough one, it will not apply retroactively to those officers who have recently been involved in embarrassing drunk driving incidents. Previously, the department’s rules stated that officers or civilian employees who had no prior disciplinary records would be suspended for seven days following a drunk driving arrest.
The issue of drunk driving as a fireable offense raised questions about whether ordinary people could also face the loss of a job due to a DUI/DWI conviction. Though all situations are fact dependent, most experts agree that government employees, especially federal workers, are most at risk of being fired in the event of a drunk driving conviction. Firing is not automatic, but depending on your job a drunk driving conviction can result in the loss of security clearances and even termination.
Those who work in the private sector are less likely to be fired for drunk driving but are not immune to the possibility. The nature of the job often determines whether a person should worry about termination. For instance, if you were arrested while driving a company-owned vehicle or you drive for a living (such as commercial truck drivers), then your likelihood of being fired is much greater.
Source: Article by Stephen Thompson, published at TBO.com.