POLICE ALCOHOL, DRUG USE RESTRICTIONS SET

A new alcohol and drug policy approved by the Alexandria City Council this
week will put higher restrictions on members of the Alexandria Police
Department.

The new policy, initiated by Police Chief Tommy Cicardo, will mean immediate
dismissal for any police department employee who tests positive for illegal
drug use.

Cicardo said the new policy would require police department employees to "be
held at a higher standard than other city employees." The police chief said
the policy is designed to target the use of illegal drugs. However, the
policy also addresses the use of prescription drugs and alcohol use.

Cicardo said under the City of Alexandria's present policy, if an employee
tests positive for the use of illegal drugs he is placed on sick leave. The
new police department policy allows for dismissal.

The new policy also allows for three tests to be performed by different
laboratories before an employee is dismissed. Cicardo said the specimen
would also be held in evidence for a year in case of legal actions.

"This new policy means that the department will be able to provide the best
service possible to the community and promote safety for all officers," he
said. "I believe police officers should be held to a higher standard than
others." The new policy will also include pre-employment hiring testing and
random drug testing for employees.

Employees who have tested positive for alcohol or prescription drugs will be
placed on sick leave and given the opportunity for treatment, the police
chief said.

Cicardo said the new plan means better performance from employees with a
much safer work environment and community.

"The use of drugs and alcohol reduce the performance capabilities of the
employees. It also poses a dangerous situation for other employees," he
explained. "We realize that police officers, like other people, can fall
victim to abuse, but we must protect the employees of this department, the
city and the community." Cicardo said the new policy is not a reaction to
any problem, but a pro-active measure. He said the police department has not
had any alcohol or drug problems.

The new policy will become effective once Alexandria Mayor Ned Randolph
signs it and each police department employee has received a copy of the
policy.