Pubdate: Thu, 12 Feb 2009
Source: Sudbury Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2009 Osprey Media
Contact: http://www.thesudburystar.com/feedback1/LetterToEditor.aspx
Website: http://www.thesudburystar.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/608
Author: Paul Rutherford

MAKE DRUG TESTING FOR PRISONERS MANDATORY

Something is wrong when millions of dollars are being spent by the 
Conservatives to clean up our nation's drug-infested prisons -- yet 
almost a quarter of prisoners either tested positive or refused to be 
tested for narcotics and booze in 2008.

Figures released by Correctional Service of Canada show 7,613 samples 
were requested for random urinanalysis tests designed to detect 
cocaine, cannabis, opiates and many pharmaceuticals. More than 850 
inmates refused the testing competely while more than 13 per cent of 
those who agreed tested positive for an illicit substance.

So much for cleaning up inmates if drugs remain plentiful behind bars.

The Conservatives have spent oodles of money beefing up search 
policies and enforcement strategies and it has likely helped some.

But we are still not winning the war on drugs in Canada's prisons.

To make matters worse, inmates are continuously finding new ways to 
smuggle drugs into prisons, be it during pizza deliveries, drugs 
hidden in babies' bonnets or picking up drug-filled condoms lobbed 
over prison fences, Sun Media has reported.

The real issue here is why should inmates be allowed to say no?

"The reasons why an offender refuses to submit to a urinanalysis are 
many . . . unco-operative behaviour, rebellion against authority, 
perceived privacy reasons, illness or injury or a desire to avoid a 
positive testing," CSC's Christa McGregor told Sun Media.

Considering the weak punishment dished out for refusing, it's not 
shocking inmates are telling drug-testing officials to take a powder.

Mandatory testing of all inmates is the only logical step for the 
government to pursue.

For years correctional officers have pressed for it, but McGregor 
told Sun Media the practice would be considered a violation of the 
Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Let's do it anyway and fight a Charter challenge if and when one comes.

Drugs are getting into Club Fed at a consistent rate. Mandatory 
regular drug tests will change inmates' attitudes about drug use.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart