Pubdate: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 Source: Courier-Journal, The (KY) Copyright: 2004 The Courier-Journal Contact: http://www.courier-journal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/97 Author: Laura Bauer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?420 (Cannabis - Popular) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) BOARD OPPOSES FIRING OF POT-SMOKING OFFICER A Louisville Metro police officer fired for using marijuana while off duty in May should only be suspended for 27 days, according to the Police Merit Board. But Police Chief Robert White said yesterday that he'll appeal that recommendation and keep Michael J. Thompson off the force until the issue is settled. "There's no room for drugs in policing," White said. "Drugs is the number-one thing that contributes to crime in our nation. To be honest with you, I've fired crossing guards for smoking drugs, and certainly police officers should be held to that standard." White fired Thompson May 25 after he was tested for drugs under the department's random drug-testing policy. According to White's termination letter, Thompson admitted smoking marijuana on May 2, a few days before he was tested. He appealed his firing, and the Merit Board voted 4-2 last Thursday against the termination, board Secretary Jeff Prewitt said. The decision won't be final, Prewitt said, until board Chairman Scott Dickens signs it and it is presented to the board again. The paperwork likely won't be ready for the Aug. 17 meeting, so the decision may not become final until mid-September, Prewitt said. Once it's final, either side has 15 days to appeal to Circuit Court. White said he doesn't know how long the appeal process will take. "Absolutely, he's not coming back to work until it goes through Circuit Court," the chief said. Thompson was unavailable for comment. He joined the department in July 1991, according to spokeswoman Helene Kramer. The four members of the Merit Board who voted to rescind the firing were Linda Atkins, an attorney; Tom David and Bill Keeling, police officers; and Mark Hampton, a banker. Voting to uphold the firing were Dickens and David Tandy, both lawyers. Carolyn Hayes, a teacher, was absent. Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson appointed the members who are not police officers; David and Keeling were appointed by the Fraternal Order of Police. Keeling said the "board's decision speaks for itself" and would not elaborate yesterday. In the termination letter, White told Thompson that he was found in violation of three department policies, including procedures regarding obeying rules and being truthful. "Your conduct is a clear and admitted violation of state law and the Department's policies," White wrote. "Your illegal use of marijuana impedes the Department's goal of providing the citizens of our city with the most professional law enforcement agency possible." Attorney Mary Sharp, who represents the FOP, and union President Richard Dotson did not return calls for comment. During the process of random drug testing at the department, White said, Thompson's "number came up" during the first week of May. When it did, Thompson went to the professional standards unit and admitted that he had smoked marijuana in the past few days, White said. Thompson took the test and tested positive, White said. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin