Police drug use to be investigated
27aug03
THE use and abuse of illegal and prescription drugs by NSW Police will be the subject of a new inquiry, Police Minister John Watkins said today.
Mr Watkins said the Police Integrity Commission (PIC) would look into drug use among officers in an effort to better protect the force and the community.
"NSW already has the country's strictest drug testing regimes for our police - and the government will do whatever it takes to improve the system," he said.
"There are a number of issues I want to examine to better protect the force and community, and improve the welfare of police.
"I expect those issues will be canvassed during the PIC's hearings."
Mr Watkins called for any officers with drug or alcohol problems to immediately come forward and seek help.
He said 13 officers had voluntarily sought help during the past two years, and were treated by rehabilitation counsellors.
"While three have since resigned, the others have returned to work," he said.
The key issues likely to be considered by the PIC include: testing of student officers before and after recruitment; new methods of testing; recalling officers to duty to provide samples; and any refusals to take drug tests.
Mr Watkins said he would also look at ways of improving the way police treat health issues surrounding drugs and alcohol.
"It's crucial we use the opportunity of this PIC inquiry to fine tune all our responses to the scourge of drugs," he said.
In the wake of the royal commission into NSW Police, random alcohol testing of officers was introduced in 1997, while the mandatory drug testing of officers after critical incidents, such as shootings and pursuit fatalities, came into effect in July 1998.
Targeted drug testing began in November 1987, followed by random drug testing in September 2001, Mr Watkins said.
"When I have the PIC's recommendations I will work with the police force, the Police Association and any other interested parties to draw up new initiatives," he said.
Courier Mail, 27th Aug 2003 - Article
.... but I guess it's possible to still handle drugs without taking them....wonder if forensics police would be subject to the same tests considering the extra *risk* of contamination in their line of work8)
