Pubdate: Fri, 14 Jan 2005
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.canoe.com/NewsStand/TorontoSun/home.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Kim Bradley, Toronto Sun

DRUG, PSYCH TESTS FOR COPS

Move Slammed For 'High-Risk Jobs'

AS TORONTO'S top cop, Julian Fantino, prepares to leave his post in March, 
certain members within the service will start getting tested for drugs, 
psychological problems and undergo financial background checks. The 
controversial move, announced yesterday, was slammed by the Senior 
Officer's Organization and the Toronto Police Association.

"Based on all available evidence, there is no justification for 
implementing these particular recommendations," police association 
president Dave Wilson said in a statement.

"They are fundamentally unacceptable to our members and will be challenged 
by our association at entry level."

Senior Officer's Organization president Bob Genno said while the 
association supports the idea behind the recommendations, it will not 
support the three announced yesterday.

"However, we respect that it is the right and privilege of the service to 
put in place the policies and procedures it deems necessary or 
appropriate," he said. "We will not, therefore, attempt to block or 
challenge that action."

Judge's Report

A committee of the Police Services Board, Senior Officer's Organization and 
the Toronto Police Association was formed after Fantino asked Justice 
George Ferguson three years ago to review the service's practices in the 
wake of several police scandals.

In January 2003, Ferguson came back with a report containing 32 
recommendations, which he agreed to help implement at Fantino's request 
last April.

The drug and psychological testing and financial background checks were a 
result of the report and committee talks held since April.

"No one pretends that this step will go entirely smoothly, but such steps 
are rarely easy," Fantino said in a statement.

"Undoubtedly there will be areas of disagreement, but I have no doubt that 
the real winners today are the people of the city of Toronto."

The testing will be implemented March 1 and will only apply to officers in 
"defined high-risk jobs," Fantino said.

What those positions may be was not explained.

Pam McConnell, chairman of the Police Services Board, said the board is in 
full support of the testing, believing the action is "essential for 
protecting police officers and Torontonians alike."

More details of the testing will be presented to the board at its next 
meeting Jan. 24.
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MAP posted-by: Beth