COPS SLAM IDEA OF DRUG TESTS

Cop associations in Edmonton and Calgary are rejecting the idea of
using drug tests to dispel perceptions of tainted police forces - as
Toronto aims to do. Mandatory drug tests were among 32 recommendations
tabled by retired Ontario Supreme Court Judge George Ferguson in the
wake of a two-year investigation into curbing misconduct on the
Toronto police force.

Staff Sgt. Peter Ratcliff, president of the Edmonton Police
Association, sees limited uses for drug testing. "If we're dealing
with addiction it's one thing. If we're dealing with corruption and
the idea that drug squad guys are blowing exhibits up their nose, it's
a different set of circumstances."

And just handling drug exhibits could inadvertently leave vice cops
with measurable levels of drugs in their system, claims Ratcliff.

FRUSTRATING ARGUMENT

Calgary Police Association president Sgt. Al Koenig said he's
frustrated with the argument that police officers have fewer rights
than other Canadian citizens.

"I don't believe that type of testing is currently done on pilots or
bus drivers or dentists or doctors or lawyers or even reporters," he
said.

"As soon as there's the inference that there may be malfeasance on the
part of a police officer, then suddenly they've got us peeing in
bottles and subjected to blood tests."

But Sgt. Peter Kawalilak, president of the Alberta Federation of
Police Associations, said he can't see cops having an issue with testing.

"That's part of the ethics and part of the requirement of being a
police officer, that you be free of any drugs whatsoever," he said.

Toronto police Chief Julian Fantino ordered the judge's investigation
at the same time he initiated an RCMP probe into allegations drug
squad officers stole cash and drugs from dealers. Six officers were
charged criminally last month.

Fantino said it's a priority to implement the recommendations as soon
as possible.

Toronto Police Association president Rick McIntosh rejected the
possibility his officers will have to pee in a bottle to get a
promotion. "Just because you put a uniform on does not mean you check
your rights at the door," he said.