DRUG, PSYCH TESTS FOR COPS

Move Slammed For 'High-Risk Jobs'

AS TORONTO'S top cop, Julian Fantino, prepares to leave his post in March,
certain members within the service will start getting tested for drugs,
psychological problems and undergo financial background checks. The
controversial move, announced yesterday, was slammed by the Senior
Officer's Organization and the Toronto Police Association.

"Based on all available evidence, there is no justification for
implementing these particular recommendations," police association
president Dave Wilson said in a statement.

"They are fundamentally unacceptable to our members and will be challenged
by our association at entry level."

Senior Officer's Organization president Bob Genno said while the
association supports the idea behind the recommendations, it will not
support the three announced yesterday.

"However, we respect that it is the right and privilege of the service to
put in place the policies and procedures it deems necessary or
appropriate," he said. "We will not, therefore, attempt to block or
challenge that action."

Judge's Report

A committee of the Police Services Board, Senior Officer's Organization and
the Toronto Police Association was formed after Fantino asked Justice
George Ferguson three years ago to review the service's practices in the
wake of several police scandals.

In January 2003, Ferguson came back with a report containing 32
recommendations, which he agreed to help implement at Fantino's request
last April.

The drug and psychological testing and financial background checks were a
result of the report and committee talks held since April.

"No one pretends that this step will go entirely smoothly, but such steps
are rarely easy," Fantino said in a statement.

"Undoubtedly there will be areas of disagreement, but I have no doubt that
the real winners today are the people of the city of Toronto."

The testing will be implemented March 1 and will only apply to officers in
"defined high-risk jobs," Fantino said.

What those positions may be was not explained.

Pam McConnell, chairman of the Police Services Board, said the board is in
full support of the testing, believing the action is "essential for
protecting police officers and Torontonians alike."

More details of the testing will be presented to the board at its next
meeting Jan. 24.