BERWICK TO TOSS POLICE DRUG TESTS

BERWICK -- The borough has thrown out the results of the recent drug
tests of Berwick police officers and has agreed not to make the
findings public, officials say.

Thirteen police officers here were surprised Nov. 17 when they were
told to go to Berwick Hospital for drug tests. Only a few members of
council knew about the tests, which were authorized by Borough Manager
Molly Sprung. Borough Council President Lucille Whitmire said the
borough had "probable cause" and the legal right to do the testing.

The police officers complied, but they argued that the tests were not
properly conducted. Drug tests are not mentioned in their contract,
and the tests were not random, said Officer Holden Sprung, union
representative. On Nov. 18, the police officers filed a grievance
against the borough, asking for the results to be thrown out.

Sprung, the borough manager, said Wednesday that the borough agreed to
void the results. The borough and the police department are now
working to create a drug-testing policy to allow tests in the future,
she said.