Pubdate: Fri, 15 Jun 2001
Source: Australian Associated Press (Australia Wire)
Copyright: 2001 Australian Associated Press
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/685

DRUG TESTS ON POLICE URGED

The Police Integrity Commission has recommended the introduction of random 
drug testing for NSW police officers in the wake of the Roni Levi shooting 
on Bondi Beach.

In a report tabled in State Parliament today, the PIC said officers 
involved in critical incidents such as shootings should be required to 
immediately give both blood and urine samples.

Police Minister Paul Whelan has responded by saying random drug testing of 
officers using urine and hair samples would begin from September 1.

"The issue of using blood for random drug testing however has significant 
health, industrial, privacy, logistical and cost implications," he said.

The NSW Police Association has also described giving blood samples for drug 
testing as an invasive, degrading and expensive proposal.

President Ian Ball said: "There's been legislation available, and we have 
not been opposed to random drug testing."

But he said the association would fight any move to use blood samples, 
rather than hair or urine.

The PIC conducted an inquiry into the police investigation of the June 1997 
shooting of Mr Levi, named Operation Saigon.

The French photographer was shot dead during a stand-off with former 
officers Rodney Podesta and Tony Dilorenzo.

Police Integrity Commissioner Judge Paul Urquhart, QC, said present 
legislation required NSW police officers to provide urine samples following 
a critical incident.

"The commission recommends that all police officers involved in critical 
incidents provide both blood and urine samples," he said today.

"Effective testing serves the interests of the officers in question, the 
police service and, most importantly, the community."

The commission had found no evidence to suggest Podesta or Dilorenzo were 
affected by drugs or alcohol at the time of the Levi shooting, Judge 
Urquhart said.

He said also there was nothing to indicate officers involved in the 
investigation of the incident had engaged in any corrupt behaviour.

But there was "troubling" evidence some officers had attended nightclubs 
that were off limits to police because of the high level of drug activity, 
worked as security guards without approval, and associated with drug 
dealers, he said.

"This was occurring at the same time, and shortly after, the release of the 
(Wood) royal commission's final report," Judge Urquhart said.

"It seems the impact of the royal commission has not been felt amongst some 
younger officers."

Podesta, who has resigned from the police service, was sentenced to four 
months periodic detention in December 1999 for attempting to supply cocaine.

Judge Urquhart recommended the NSW Director of Public Prosecutions consider 
laying further charges against Podesta and former senior constable Peter 
Murrant, as well as serving officer Constable Anthony Binns and two civilians.

It is alleged these men were involved either in the supply of prohibited 
drugs or in giving false evidence to the commission.

Recommendations have also been made for Police Commissioner Peter Ryan to 
dismiss Senior Constable Matthew Crotty, Constable Anthony Binns, and 
Sergeant Paul Petith in light of evidence they gave to the PIC.
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MAP posted-by: Beth