Pubdate: Wed, 04 Oct 2006
Source: State Journal-Register (IL)
Copyright: 2006 The State Journal-Register
Contact:  http://www.sj-r.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425
Author: John Reynolds, Staff Writer

COMPANY PICKED FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DRUG TESTING

Random employee tests targeting alcohol, illegal drugs  and steroids 
could hit the Sangamon County Sheriff's  Office by the end of the year.

Sheriff Neil Williamson said Tuesday the new program  should lend 
credibility to the department. He added  that he does not believe 
there is a problem with  deputies using alcohol, illegal drugs or steroids.

"The citizens we serve will know that the deputies  responding to 
their calls for help will be clean," the  sheriff said.

The random drug-testing program was included in the  deputies' new 
contract, which was accepted by the  Sangamon County Board in July. 
At the time of the  contract's approval, some of the specifics of the 
drug  testing, such as what company would conduct the tests,  were 
not finalized.

On Tuesday, the board's jail/ office of emergency  management 
committee approved a $11,200 contract with  Bansal Occupational 
Solutions, 5220 S. Sixth Frontage  Road, to provide testing.

Don Barber, comptroller for the sheriff's office, said  90 people 
will be subject to random testing. That  number includes all county 
deputies, including the  sheriff and senior commanders, and 13 court 
security  officers.

According to the plan, Bansal will randomly select 11  people each 
quarter for testing. The employees will be  given no warning on when 
the tests will occur.

Officials do not know how many people might be tested  each year 
because the same person could be tested more  than once.

Each test costs about $255. Of that, $215 is to test  for steroids.

"We wanted a broad-spectrum (test)," Williamson said.  "We wanted to 
test for illegal drugs like cocaine and  pot, but we also wanted to 
go a step forward and  include steroids. Steroids have been in the 
news lately  with athletes and ball players. We just want to 
include  it so there would be no question in anybody's mind."

Williamson said that just because steroids are being  included, it 
doesn't mean he thinks there is a problem.

"My guys are in the gym all the time working out," he  said. "That's 
one of the factors I stress with the  deputies is to keep themselves 
in good physical  condition and maintain a good appearance. A lot of 
them  take it to heart and keep themselves in top shape."

Deputies who test positive for illegal drugs or  steroids are subject 
to discipline, up to and including  discharge.

Deputies found to be under the influence of alcohol or  prescription 
drugs will not be subject to disciplinary  action for their first 
offense if they agree to the  following conditions: appropriate 
treatment; to  discontinue abuse; and to complete treatment, 
including an after-care group for a period of 12 months. A 
deputy  also must agree to submit to random testing during  hours of 
work during the after-care.

If the deputy tests positive for alcohol or  prescription drugs a 
second time, he or she would be  subject to discipline, up to and 
including discharge.

Deputies also have a right to file a grievance  concerning any drug 
testing permitted by the union  agreement.

The contract with Bansal needs the approval of the  county board's 
finance committee and the full board  before it goes into effect. The 
county board most  likely will consider the issue Nov. 14.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine