Pubdate: Tue, 24 Aug 2004
Source: Chickasha Express-Star (OK)
Copyright: 2004 The Chickasha Express-Star
Contact:  http://www.chickashanews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/806
Author: Jason Clarke

DA ADDRESSES COUNTY'S PROPOSED DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

District Attorney Gene Christian was on hand for Monday's meeting of the 
Grady County Commissioners.

Christian appeared before the board to address concerns he had in the 
proposed county alcohol and drug policy.

He advised the board that the current wording of the proposed policy tied 
the county's hands in the criminal prosecution of employees suspected of 
possession of drugs or alcohol in the workplace.

The document required obtaining permission from an elected official before 
an employee was allowed to be questioned about suspected activity.

County Safety Director Terry Beard said that the wording could be changed 
to better accommodate the DA's Office.

Christian suggested amending the document to exclude such permission in the 
course of criminal investigations and proceedings.

"I just don't want somebody saying they don't have to talk to me because of 
a policy," Christian said.

Christian also asked if it was the board's intention to establish a drug 
and alcohol rehabilitation program. Beard said that the wording of the 
document would be changed to clarify that the employee would be attending 
such a program at his or her own expense, and that the program would not be 
administered by the county.

Christian returned to the meeting later at the request of the commissioners 
to advise them about an agenda item sent from Caddo County. District No. 3 
Commissioner Jack Porter said that Caddo wanted Grady County to call for an 
election in the school districts that overlap between the two counties 
because they are attempting to set up an Southern EMS District. Christian 
advised that the board find out specifically what is supposed to be on the 
resolution, because the board does not want to set up a system where Caddo 
County would be taxing Grady County citizen for EMS.

The commissioners tabled bids on a new broom for District No. 1, but did 
request bids for a used Crown Victoria for the Sheriff's Office.

Rural Water District No. 5 was permitted to run a water line on the county 
right of way.

The Commissioner also approved both a payment to their attorney's in the 
case of Edna Welch vs. Grady County, and a contract modification for 
contract between the county and the SAC and Fox Nation Regional Juvenile 
Detention Center.

No action was taken on county bridge inspection contracts.
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