CHIEF: TEACHERS SHOULD BE DRUG TESTED

Q: I read in the newspaper and watched the evening news on TV about
drug testing for the teachers. What is your position on this
controversial issue? Are your officers drug tested? Are you drug
tested? Do you think that elected or appointed public officials should
be drug tested? I think that everyone in government should be drug
tested from the governor on down.

Skeptic on Kaua'i

A: I'll try to answer succinctly without stepping on too many toes.
Yes, I feel teachers should be drug tested because it is a function of
their employment in keeping our children safe, and since it is a
function of their employment, the employer should pay for the testing.
Yes, our police officers are drug tested on an annual basis without
prior warnings.

I might add that SHOPO (police union) has agreed with the employer to
have drug testing policy and it is part of our collective bargaining
agreement. Yes, I am drug tested using the same criteria. And, yes, I
do believe that government employees should be tested from the
governor on down.

Now, let me try to explain my answers. As public servants, whether
elected, selected through the civil service process, or appointed, it
is our fiduciary duty to assure the public that we are drug-free.

In my opinion - notwithstanding ACLU's argument on Fourth Amendment
rights on search and seizure, and invasion of privacy issues - drug
testing is a health and safety matter, and we have an obligation to
the public to let them know that their public servants are clean.

It makes no difference to me whether the person is teaching in a
classroom, putting out fires, arresting or prosecuting offenders, or
legislating law. The public has a right to feel safe and confident
that their tax dollars are not going to someone who is breaking the
law by consuming illegal drugs, and placing their loved ones at risk.

I strongly believe, as the old adage goes, that we as government
employees are held to a higher standard, and that we must demonstrate
that we care enough about our community to take these tests and allay
the public's fears. Moreover, I believe it is a privilege to serve our
community and not a right; and that there should be no exceptions when
it comes to drug testing.

Well sports fans it's a new year and I want to thank everyone who
supported the Kaua'i Police Department, and even those who were
critical of our efforts because it makes us try even harder so that we
don't become complacent.

I especially want to thank our employees for working so hard to keep
our community safe.

From the onset I talked about open communication and transparency, and
you have put me to task on this. As an example, in 2008, I received
10,149 electronic mails (email) and responded to 3,271. Please keep
those questions coming in. On behalf of the Kaua'i Police Department
we would like to wish everyone a great 2009.

Darryl Perry is chief of police at the Kaua'i Police Department. Send
your comments or questions to dperry@kauai.gov