DRUG TESTS ON POLICE URGED

The Police Integrity Commission has recommended the introduction of random
drug testing for NSW police officers in the wake of the Roni Levi shooting
on Bondi Beach.

In a report tabled in State Parliament today, the PIC said officers
involved in critical incidents such as shootings should be required to
immediately give both blood and urine samples.

Police Minister Paul Whelan has responded by saying random drug testing of
officers using urine and hair samples would begin from September 1.

"The issue of using blood for random drug testing however has significant
health, industrial, privacy, logistical and cost implications," he said.

The NSW Police Association has also described giving blood samples for drug
testing as an invasive, degrading and expensive proposal.

President Ian Ball said: "There's been legislation available, and we have
not been opposed to random drug testing."

But he said the association would fight any move to use blood samples,
rather than hair or urine.

The PIC conducted an inquiry into the police investigation of the June 1997
shooting of Mr Levi, named Operation Saigon.

The French photographer was shot dead during a stand-off with former
officers Rodney Podesta and Tony Dilorenzo.

Police Integrity Commissioner Judge Paul Urquhart, QC, said present
legislation required NSW police officers to provide urine samples following
a critical incident.

"The commission recommends that all police officers involved in critical
incidents provide both blood and urine samples," he said today.

"Effective testing serves the interests of the officers in question, the
police service and, most importantly, the community."

The commission had found no evidence to suggest Podesta or Dilorenzo were
affected by drugs or alcohol at the time of the Levi shooting, Judge
Urquhart said.

He said also there was nothing to indicate officers involved in the
investigation of the incident had engaged in any corrupt behaviour.

But there was "troubling" evidence some officers had attended nightclubs
that were off limits to police because of the high level of drug activity,
worked as security guards without approval, and associated with drug
dealers, he said.

"This was occurring at the same time, and shortly after, the release of the
(Wood) royal commission's final report," Judge Urquhart said.

"It seems the impact of the royal commission has not been felt amongst some
younger officers."

Podesta, who has resigned from the police service, was sentenced to four
months periodic detention in December 1999 for attempting to supply cocaine.

Judge Urquhart recommended the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions consider
laying further charges against Podesta and former senior constable Peter
Murrant, as well as serving officer Constable Anthony Binns and two civilians.

It is alleged these men were involved either in the supply of prohibited
drugs or in giving false evidence to the commission.

Recommendations have also been made for Police Commissioner Peter Ryan to
dismiss Senior Constable Matthew Crotty, Constable Anthony Binns, and
Sergeant Paul Petith in light of evidence they gave to the PIC.