YOUNG OFFICERS' DRUG USE RISING: O'Callaghan

The use of recreational drugs by young police officers was on the rise, WA
Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan claimed yesterday, conceding that the
problem was a factor of modern society.

Mr O'Callaghan said young people entering the service were a representative
sample of the community and he believed that younger police officers
experimented with recreational drugs.

He said the issue was of great concern to him and the police service was
moving towards targeted testing of police officers for substance abuse, in
line with a Kennedy royal commission recommendation.

Legislative options were being examined.

"In recent years there have been a few cases of substance abuse uncovereed
but, anecdotally, it is believed the risk of substance abuse occurring has
risen, particularly with younger police officers, as an extension of a
broader societal problem," Mr O'Callaghan said. "Aside from the ethics and
integrity implications, this matter is also of importance from a duty of
care perspective, particularly considering police officers' use of firearms
and vehicles."

Senior police officers have been investigating ways to test randomly for
drugs such as speed, ecstasy, steroids and marijuana to rid the service of
drug users.

A targeted drug testing program was put in place in July 2001.

Under that regime, an officer could be drug tested if an officer in charge
suspected he or she was under the influence while on duty.

WA Police Union president Mike Dean could not be reached for comment.

He has said previously that officers should be compensated for having to
undergo random drug tests.