BOARD OPPOSES FIRING OF POT-SMOKING OFFICER

A Louisville Metro police officer fired for using marijuana while off
duty in May should only be suspended for 27 days, according to the
Police Merit Board.

But Police Chief Robert White said yesterday that he'll appeal that
recommendation and keep Michael J. Thompson off the force until the
issue is settled.

"There's no room for drugs in policing," White said. "Drugs is the
number-one thing that contributes to crime in our nation. To be honest
with you, I've fired crossing guards for smoking drugs, and certainly
police officers should be held to that standard."

White fired Thompson May 25 after he was tested for drugs under the
department's random drug-testing policy. According to White's
termination letter, Thompson admitted smoking marijuana on May 2, a
few days before he was tested.

He appealed his firing, and the Merit Board voted 4-2 last Thursday
against the termination, board Secretary Jeff Prewitt said. The
decision won't be final, Prewitt said, until board Chairman Scott
Dickens signs it and it is presented to the board again.

The paperwork likely won't be ready for the Aug. 17 meeting, so the
decision may not become final until mid-September, Prewitt said.

Once it's final, either side has 15 days to appeal to Circuit Court.

White said he doesn't know how long the appeal process will take.

"Absolutely, he's not coming back to work until it goes through
Circuit Court," the chief said.

Thompson was unavailable for comment. He joined the department in July
1991, according to spokeswoman Helene Kramer.

The four members of the Merit Board who voted to rescind the firing
were Linda Atkins, an attorney; Tom David and Bill Keeling, police
officers; and Mark Hampton, a banker.

Voting to uphold the firing were Dickens and David Tandy, both
lawyers. Carolyn Hayes, a teacher, was absent.

Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson appointed the members who are not police
officers; David and Keeling were appointed by the Fraternal Order of
Police.

Keeling said the "board's decision speaks for itself" and would not
elaborate yesterday.

In the termination letter, White told Thompson that he was found in
violation of three department policies, including procedures regarding
obeying rules and being truthful.

"Your conduct is a clear and admitted violation of state law and the
Department's policies," White wrote. "Your illegal use of marijuana
impedes the Department's goal of providing the citizens of our city
with the most professional law enforcement agency possible."

Attorney Mary Sharp, who represents the FOP, and union President
Richard Dotson did not return calls for comment.

During the process of random drug testing at the department, White
said, Thompson's "number came up" during the first week of May. When
it did, Thompson went to the professional standards unit and admitted
that he had smoked marijuana in the past few days, White said.
Thompson took the test and tested positive, White said.