Pubdate: Thu, 27 Nov 2003 Source: Press Enterprise (PA) Copyright: 2003 Press Enterprise Contact: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3179 Website: http://www.pe-online.com/ 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake