ADDICTS BREAK THE LAW EACH TIME THEY TAKE DRUGS

Re: Addicted Cop Fights Dismissal, Dec. 26.

K. Jull, lawyer for the constable in the case, calls for an
"important judicial interpretation" regarding the duty of a police
force to accommodate officers who suffer from the "disability of drug
addiction."

I would counter the main issue (for the protection of the public) as
to what bounds police can constrain the actions of those seeking
employment as police personnel.

Mr. Jull feels people would have a different opinion of his client if
he was addicted to alcohol. I agree.

It is possible to have an alcohol dependency as a police officer (or
any other job) and not break the law.

However, a habitual narcotic addict, police officer or not, breaks
the law each time he or she uses a narcotic that is prohibited by
federal legislation.

The "important judicial interpretation" in this case is to ensure
nothing, including an addiction, gives the legal right to police
personnel to participate in criminal or illegal acts.

Not only could such a precedent compromise the integrity of the
police, but it could also place at risk the safety and security of
the community.

Fred P. Brannagan

Windsor