DISPUTE OVER COP DRUG TESTS

Judge Tells Miller To Stop Meddling

A RESPECTED retired judge told Mayor David Miller yesterday to mind his own
business on drug testing for cops. Justice George Ferguson, who made 32
recommendations on how to fix the scandal-plagued Toronto Police Service,
said Miller's opposition to drug testing of police officers in high-risk or
sensitive areas of the force is irrelevant and he should stop meddling.

"I'm quite shocked the mayor would express any views about my
recommendations," Ferguson said after submitting his final report to the
police board yesterday. "He is not a member of the Police Services Board
and as far as I understood he wasn't running the police service."

Ferguson and Chief Julian Fantino had hoped to have all 32 recommendations,
including the drug testing of officers in sensitive or high-risk positions,
by March 1.

But the board decided yesterday to delay implementation of the new rules
until at least March 8, the next board meeting.

Miller said yesterday he is backing the Toronto Police Association's bid to
prevent the drug tests.

'READY TO GO TO COURT'

"I don't believe in random testing people," Miller said. "I believe in
proper supervision. I believe drug testing is only appropriate where there
is some evidence to support it."

The police union has balked at any drug testing and has its lawyers ready
to challenge it in court.

"We're ready to go to court, we just don't think it's necessary," said
union president Dave Wilson.

He said he is counting on Miller's support to sway the board.

"None of the problems that have come to light have been drug related,"
Wilson said.

"There is no systemic problem on the Toronto Police Service with drug
problems. It doesn't exist."

The union wants police supervisors trained to spot any drug issues with
officers rather than having drug tests, like New York City cops face.

Wilson called this a violation of the human rights and Charter of Rights
and Freedoms of police officers.