COMPANY PICKED FOR SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DRUG TESTING

Random employee tests targeting alcohol, illegal drugs and steroids
could hit the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office by the end of the year.

Sheriff Neil Williamson said Tuesday the new program should lend
credibility to the department. He added that he does not believe
there is a problem with deputies using alcohol, illegal drugs or steroids.

"The citizens we serve will know that the deputies responding to
their calls for help will be clean," the sheriff said.

The random drug-testing program was included in the deputies' new
contract, which was accepted by the Sangamon County Board in July.
At the time of the contract's approval, some of the specifics of the
drug testing, such as what company would conduct the tests, were
not finalized.

On Tuesday, the board's jail/ office of emergency management
committee approved a $11,200 contract with Bansal Occupational
Solutions, 5220 S. Sixth Frontage Road, to provide testing.

Don Barber, comptroller for the sheriff's office, said 90 people
will be subject to random testing. That number includes all county
deputies, including the sheriff and senior commanders, and 13 court
security officers.

According to the plan, Bansal will randomly select 11 people each
quarter for testing. The employees will be given no warning on when
the tests will occur.

Officials do not know how many people might be tested each year
because the same person could be tested more than once.

Each test costs about $255. Of that, $215 is to test for steroids.

"We wanted a broad-spectrum (test)," Williamson said. "We wanted to
test for illegal drugs like cocaine and pot, but we also wanted to
go a step forward and include steroids. Steroids have been in the
news lately with athletes and ball players. We just want to
include it so there would be no question in anybody's mind."

Williamson said that just because steroids are being included, it
doesn't mean he thinks there is a problem.

"My guys are in the gym all the time working out," he said. "That's
one of the factors I stress with the deputies is to keep themselves
in good physical condition and maintain a good appearance. A lot of
them take it to heart and keep themselves in top shape."

Deputies who test positive for illegal drugs or steroids are subject
to discipline, up to and including discharge.

Deputies found to be under the influence of alcohol or prescription
drugs will not be subject to disciplinary action for their first
offense if they agree to the following conditions: appropriate
treatment; to discontinue abuse; and to complete treatment,
including an after-care group for a period of 12 months. A
deputy also must agree to submit to random testing during hours of
work during the after-care.

If the deputy tests positive for alcohol or prescription drugs a
second time, he or she would be subject to discipline, up to and
including discharge.

Deputies also have a right to file a grievance concerning any drug
testing permitted by the union agreement.

The contract with Bansal needs the approval of the county board's
finance committee and the full board before it goes into effect. The
county board most likely will consider the issue Nov. 14.