Pubdate: Tue, 27 Jul 2004 Source: West Australian (Australia) Copyright: 2004 West Australian Newspapers Limited Contact: http://www.thewest.com.au Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495 Author: Steve Pennells Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?236 (Corruption - Outside U.S.) YOUNG OFFICERS' DRUG USE RISING: O'Callaghan The use of recreational drugs by young police officers was on the rise, WA Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan claimed yesterday, conceding that the problem was a factor of modern society. Mr O'Callaghan said young people entering the service were a representative sample of the community and he believed that younger police officers experimented with recreational drugs. He said the issue was of great concern to him and the police service was moving towards targeted testing of police officers for substance abuse, in line with a Kennedy royal commission recommendation. Legislative options were being examined. "In recent years there have been a few cases of substance abuse uncovereed but, anecdotally, it is believed the risk of substance abuse occurring has risen, particularly with younger police officers, as an extension of a broader societal problem," Mr O'Callaghan said. "Aside from the ethics and integrity implications, this matter is also of importance from a duty of care perspective, particularly considering police officers' use of firearms and vehicles." Senior police officers have been investigating ways to test randomly for drugs such as speed, ecstasy, steroids and marijuana to rid the service of drug users. A targeted drug testing program was put in place in July 2001. Under that regime, an officer could be drug tested if an officer in charge suspected he or she was under the influence while on duty. WA Police Union president Mike Dean could not be reached for comment. He has said previously that officers should be compensated for having to undergo random drug tests. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh