POLICE TO FACE RANDOM DRUG TESTS

Police in Norfolk could soon be tested for drugs after plans were
announced to introduce random tests for the first time.

Police chiefs have revealed that Norfolk Constabulary's human
resources department is gearing up to introduce the tests.

A spokesman said: "The human resources department is preparing a
policy and process to introduce drug testing, in accordance with
Home Office guidelines and subject to consultation with staff
representatives."

In 2001, the Evening News reported how concerns were raised about
the prospect of random drug tests being introduced as part of a
crackdown on substance abuse in forces throughout the UK.

In 2004, Warwickshire Police was believed to be the first force in
the country to introduce random drug testing for its own officers.

In the nine months leading up to April 2004, five officers left that
force over drugs allegations and in January this year, the
Metropolitan Police began random drugs tests on its own officers.

In the first few weeks of the tests, 16 officers were stopped, but
all were found to be clear of drugs.

Malcolm Reeve, chairman of the Norfolk Police Federation, said they
were not against the introduction of drugs testing.

"There's never been any opposition to drug/alcohol testing because
obviously we wouldn't want officers who are into substance misuse
putting themselves, colleagues, or the public at risk," he said.

Mr Reeve said some of the things they would need to know included
how the drug testing was to be implemented, who would be selected,
how the tests were carried out and by who, and what would be done
with the tests and kits to ensure it was done properly.

"This is not something that has been brought in because we've got a
massive problem in the police service with alcohol or substance
abuse," said Mr Reeve.