DRUG TESTING POLICY FOR SHERIFF'S OFFICE OK'D

A random drug testing policy for employees of the Anderson County Sheriff's
Office has been approved, according to Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor,
and should begin early next month.

In June, Taylor announced that he was initiating a random drug testing
program to enhance his agency's "credibility" and "integrity." It is
believed to be the first such policy in the department's history.

Presently, all new Anderson County employees are subject to a
pre-employment drug screening. Beyond that, however, Taylor said only
employees of the Dogwood Trails Narcotics Task Force are randomly tested.

"We should have the policy implemented after the first (of September),"
Taylor said, "and we should have our first selections shortly after the first."

The sheriff said one name from both the "jail" and "operations" staffs will
be randomly hand drawn from a container including all of the approximately
80 employees in his agency.

Testing will occur on "a monthly or bimonthly" basis," Taylor said.

Among the items tested for include marijuana, cocaine, metamphetamine,
barbiturate and opiate, according to the sheriff's 13-page "Drug-Free
Workplace Policy."

In the coming days, Taylor said staff meetings will be held with all
employees, explaining the policy and testing procedures.

"My name will be in the hat, along with all the employees," Taylor said. "I
feel that as police officers and public servants, we need to make sure the
public knows we're abiding by the laws we enforce."

Taylor said employees have been receptive to the idea of random drug testing.

"I've had positive feedback," the sheriff said. "I haven't heard any
negative comments."

In addition to the random selection process, the new policy allows for "for
cause" and "critical incident" testing. "For cause" testing will occur when
"reasonable suspicion" of drug or alcohol use - such as slurred speech or
bloodshot eyes - exists, while "critical incident" testing relates to
incidents involving firearms discharge, a fleet accident or injury.

The policy also includes an employee assistance program, giving workers
with an alcohol or chemical dependency problem the opportunity to seek help
without jeopardizing their job security.