TEST POLICE FOR DRUGS

Policing is a job like no other, carrying deep responsibilities -- and
dangerous temptations. That is why Toronto Police Chief Julian Fantino
is right to call for regular drug testing, financial monitoring, and
psychological evaluation of officers assigned to high-risk duty.

It is a controversial step, going well beyond what is done elsewhere
in Canada. Toronto Police Association president Dave Wilson has called
the proposed tests and monitoring "an absolute intrusion" and has
vowed that the police union will fight to defeat the plan in the courts.

Wilson is correct in describing the measure as an intrusion, but he is
wrong to resist it. This intrusion is well warranted. It is in the
public's interest and also in the best interest of police who Wilson
represents.

Men and women carrying a badge and a gun have been empowered to
confiscate property and restrict liberty in the defence of society. In
extreme circumstances they are authorized to use violence -- and even
kill. It is imperative that they remain honest, impartial, and fair.

That is why some "intrusion" on the rights of officers is desirable.
For example, in the interests of unbiased service, police are barred
from actively engaging in politics -- denying them a fundamental
right. Accepting that restriction is a necessary trade-off in choosing
a career in policing.

In the same way, accepting drug tests, some financial probing, and
psychological evaluation should be a necessary trade-off to work in
the drug squad, on undercover duty, or to serve as chief.

Recent history shows there is ample reason to take precautions. Six
Toronto drug squad officers were hit with criminal charges last
January after allegations that they stole cash and drugs from
lawbreakers they had arrested. Other police were listed as unindicted
co-conspirators. Investigators were hampered by lack of co-operation,
and obstruction, by an even wider circle of officers.

Routine drug testing and financial checks would help snare the
minority of police who break the rules.

That would protect the public. But it would help good officers, too,
by discouraging high-risk cops from falling prey to temptation and by
bolstering public confidence in Toronto's scandal-marred police force.