Pubdate: Sat, 13 May 2006
Source: Evening News (UK)
Copyright: 2006 Archant Regional
Contact:  http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/141
Author: Peter Walsh
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

POLICE TO FACE RANDOM DRUG TESTS

Police in Norfolk could soon be tested for drugs after  plans were 
announced to introduce random tests for the  first time.

Police chiefs have revealed that Norfolk Constabulary's  human 
resources department is gearing up to introduce  the tests.

A spokesman said: "The human resources department is  preparing a 
policy and process to introduce drug  testing, in accordance with 
Home Office guidelines and  subject to consultation with staff 
representatives."

In 2001, the Evening News reported how concerns were  raised about 
the prospect of random drug tests being  introduced as part of a 
crackdown on substance abuse in forces throughout the UK.

In 2004, Warwickshire Police was believed to be the  first force in 
the country to introduce random drug  testing for its own officers.

In the nine months leading up to April 2004, five  officers left that 
force over drugs allegations and in  January this year, the 
Metropolitan Police began random  drugs tests on its own officers.

In the first few weeks of the tests, 16 officers were  stopped, but 
all were found to be clear of drugs.

Malcolm Reeve, chairman of the Norfolk Police  Federation, said they 
were not against the introduction  of drugs testing.

"There's never been any opposition to drug/alcohol  testing because 
obviously we wouldn't want officers who  are into substance misuse 
putting themselves,  colleagues, or the public at risk," he said.

Mr Reeve said some of the things they would need to  know included 
how the drug testing was to be  implemented, who would be selected, 
how the tests were  carried out and by who, and what would be done 
with the  tests and kits to ensure it was done properly.

"This is not something that has been brought in because  we've got a 
massive problem in the police service with  alcohol or substance 
abuse," said Mr Reeve.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom