Pubdate: Thu, 23 Dec 2004
Source: Journal Review (IN)
Copyright: 2004 The Journal Review
Contact: http://www.journalreview.com/FormLayout.asp?formcall=1
Website: http://www.journalreview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3548
Author: Maria J. Flora
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

NEW YEAR TO BRING DRUG SCREENING FOR LOCAL OFFICERS

Beginning in January, city police officers will be subject to random
drug screening for the first time in the department's history.

Crawfordsville Police Commissioners approved a substance abuse policy
this week. It includes random and other types of drug and alcohol
abuse testing.

Midwest Toxicology Services, Indianapolis, will perform the tests,
Crawfordsville Police Chief Kurt Knecht said.

Until now, only newly-hired officers underwent drug testing. Police
and dispatchers, those who handle emergencies, will undergo the
testing beginning in January.

The policy is not in response to a particular incident or concern,
Knecht said.

"I have total confidence that all our personnel will pass this test,"
Knecht said. "The public deserves and expects that of us."

The chief previously could have officers screened for drugs at his
discretion. The action would be private as a personnel matter, but
Knecht offered that he has not ordered one.

Police Commissioners Daniel Houston, Suzanne Kalinowski and Craig
Harmon also approved a revised departmental policy manual. The
300-page document was not updated in as many as 20 years, Knecht said.

A previous administration began the revision process. Officers will be
required to read the entire book.

It addresses police-action shootings, how to handle certain types of
cases, driving pursuit policies and other situations officers may encounter.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek