MILLER BACKS POLICE AGAINST DRUG TESTING

Mayor David Miller yesterday opposed Police Chief Julian Fantino's plan to
begin drug testing for police officers next month, siding instead with the
police union who claim the measure violates their rights.

Chief Fantino last month announced drug testing for police in high-risk
jobs, such as undercover and drug-squad officers, would begin on March 1.
The Toronto Police Association opposes the testing and yesterday called
upon the Mayor to ask the Police Services Board to drop the measure.

"We have been asked to be shown evidence that this is a necessary action,"
president Dave Wilson said. "And at no point has evidence been provided
that justifies the intrusion for police officers."

The force is the first in Canada to consider such a program.

Mr. Miller told reporters he shared the union's concerns about the plan. As
a city councillor, he opposed mandatory drug testing for public transit
employees.

"I don't believe in random testing of people. That violates civil liberties
. I believe drug testing is only appropriate when there is evidence to
support it," Mr. Miller said.

In response to concerns, the Police Services Board voted to delay the plan
until after its March 8 meeting.

The testing was one of the 32 recommendations in a 2003 report on police
corruption by Justice George Ferguson. The retired judge yesterday
questioned why Mr. Miller had offered his opinion.

"I'm quite shocked the Mayor would express any views about my
recommendations. He is not a member of the Police Services Board and as far
as I know, he isn't running the police service," Judge Ferguson said.

The judge added that during his research, he encountered evidence the
testing was necessary.

"I will not deal with the details of the individuals, but there have been
increasing problems with respect to drug abuse and I'm quite satisfied the
drug testing program is fully justified," he said.

Pam McConnell, the city councillor who chairs the board, said the March 1
implementation date was set by Chief Fantino, who told her the police union
had endorsed the policy. Officers identified with drug problems would not
face discipline but would receive counselling.

"I was told this was a win-win. I was told everybody was on-board," Ms.
McConnell said.

Mr. Wilson said if police go forward with the policy, his organization will
launch a court challenge. He contends the measure violates the Canadian
Charter of Rights and Freedoms.