PROPOSED LEGISLATION MAY ALLOW ROADSIDE DRUG TESTING THROUGH PORTABLE KITS

Portable drug tests may be available to michigan police forces if
recent legislation is approved.

A reform in driving under the influence prevention was introduced
Aug. 8 to Michigan lawmakers by state Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge.

The bill requires Michigan police agencies to carry portable drug
test kits in their vehicles. The kits determine which illegal
substance drivers use and how much.

The bi-partisan bill was proposed by Jones, state Reps. Mark Meadows,
D-East Lansing and Dian Slavens, D-Canton. It is waiting to be
assigned to a legislative committee.

"In Michigan, we have no tolerance for all illegal drugs," Jones
said. "The officer would explain to you under law that he has a
simple roadside test. The saliva is then collected on a swap."

The type and quantity of the present drugs are available to the
officer in 10 minutes. In order to use the results in court, the swab
must be sent to a lab.

The kits will be used to test drivers of automobiles, snowmobiles,
ATV's and locomotives.

Former Eaton County sheriff, Jones saw a need for drug kits during
his experience.

"Up until now, science hasn't made a test like this available," he
said. "I was one of the first to discover that this option was
available with law enforcement background."

Jones said police can now shift their focus back to more violent
crimes instead of spending hours on drug testing. He said the kits
will also save the state money -- only costing $15.

CMU Police Sgt. Mike Morrow said there are several benefits to the bill.

"If the use of this new investigative tool prevents the loss of at
least one life," he said, "then I fully support it."

Police forces have policies enabling them to pull over a reckless
driver who could be under the influence of a substance.

Only the operator of a motorized vehicle will be subject for testing.
Drivers are still allowed to refuse testing.

"What an officer may observe are people driving off the road and
across the center lane," Jones said. "I've also seen people go up to
red lights and not drive when the light turned green."

Jeff Browne, public information officer for Mount Pleasant Police,
said he needs to see the drug kit before supporting or opposing the bill.

"I don't know if these kits will make drug testing harder or easier,"
Browne said. "One obstacle with this kit might be the new medical
marijuana law. It stays in your body for 30 days so it'd be
interesting to see how they're going to test for drugs."

Jones said he is confident his team's bill will be approved because
most people do not believe people should be driving under the
influence of drugs.