Pubdate: Fri, 17 Jan 2003
Source: Big Sandy News, The (KY)
Copyright: 2003 The Big Sandy News
Contact:  http://www.bigsandynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1975
Author: Chris McDavid

POLICE TAKE PART IN FIRST DRUG TEST

PAINTSVILLE - Mayor Doug Pugh and Paintsville Police Chief Larry VanHoose 
were the first to comply Thursday with the new mayor's first executive 
order, requiring all city police officers to submit to drug testing.

Five patrolmen were also tested Thursday at the Broadway police station, 
and three remaining officers are scheduled to provide urine samples today, 
Friday, for analysis. The drug testing for city police officers is being 
conducted by Terry Scott, an administrator with the Narcotic Treatment 
Program (aka the Methadone Clinic in Paintsville).

The first series of the drug test were conducted Thursday, exactly one week 
after Pugh signed the executive order requiring the test. VanHoose, who was 
named the city police department's interim chief when Pugh demoted former 
chief Doug Wallen and assistant chief Crystal McKenzie, said last week that 
requirement for police officers to submit to drug testing will "move the 
integrity of this department forward.

"I don't want any doubt on this department," VanHoose added.

Pugh previously said requiring the city police officers to undergo the drug 
testing will also "strengthen" the department and "re-enforce" its efforts 
to eradicate drugs in the community. All city police officers are required 
to submit to the test or face termination from the police force.
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MAP posted-by: Alex