SCHOOL BOARD TO MAKE DECISION, POLICE LIKELY
TO FACE DRUG, ALCOHOL TESTS

IPS police likely to face drug, alcohol tests School Board to make decision
on issue before officers begin carrying firearms while on duty.

Indianapolis Public Schools may start randomly drug testing its police
force, a requirement being sought because officers will soon be allowed to
carry handguns.

The proposed policy for tracking alcohol and drug use, if approved, would
be similar to the one that screens bus drivers on a random basis.

The IPS Board has discussed the issue of drug testing and is expected to
formally endorse the measure next week.

The move would come just before IPS officers are given final authority to
carry weapons, a process recently approved by the Indianapolis Department
of Public Safety but held up by incomplete paperwork.

School officials say police personnel will be tested separately -- some for
alcohol during a 12-month period, and some for drugs. Because of the random
procedure, some officers may not get tested at all.

But Police Chief Jack Martin said he thinks it's important for all police
departments, including his own, to be "able to point to something and say
they're drug-free."

"I don't think the public wants people out there authorized to carry
firearms and have anybody under the influence while they're doing it,"
Martin said. "It's the logical thing to do."

IPS officials believe it's also reasonable for police to carry weapons
given the danger they face when patrolling schools at night or responding
to break-ins and emergency calls.

Because of that concern, the IPS Board voted in 1995 to let officers carry
guns. Part of the delay in immediately giving the officers weapons was
making sure everyone had proper training.

Out of 78 sworn officers, only 75 will be allowed to have handguns. The
remaining three have chosen not to carry those weapons and did not receive
training.

Only IPS police stationed outside school buildings will be allowed to carry
handguns, but those working an athletic event could be authorized to have
them under special circumstances.

School officials said they are only trying to keep pace with the
drug-testing requirements imposed on a national level on employees with
commercial driver's licenses.

Board member Donald Payton believes it's essential that drug tests be
required of those who protect students and school property.

"It just makes sure that the people with those kinds of responsibilities
are capable of carrying out their duties," Payton said. "I have always felt
that the officers on patrol at night should have some protection going into
schools."

Superintendent Duncan Pat Pritchett feels the same way. And drug testing
would help keep out those who could abuse that responsibility.

"We just do not want an officer out there with a firearm who could be
impaired in any way possible."

Checked-by: derek rea