Pubdate: Fri, 11 Feb 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: Rob Granatstein, City Hall Bureau
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

DISPUTE OVER COP DRUG TESTS

Judge Tells Miller To Stop Meddling

A RESPECTED retired judge told Mayor David Miller yesterday to mind his own 
business on drug testing for cops. Justice George Ferguson, who made 32 
recommendations on how to fix the scandal-plagued Toronto Police Service, 
said Miller's opposition to drug testing of police officers in high-risk or 
sensitive areas of the force is irrelevant and he should stop meddling.

"I'm quite shocked the mayor would express any views about my 
recommendations," Ferguson said after submitting his final report to the 
police board yesterday. "He is not a member of the Police Services Board 
and as far as I understood he wasn't running the police service."

Ferguson and Chief Julian Fantino had hoped to have all 32 recommendations, 
including the drug testing of officers in sensitive or high-risk positions, 
by March 1.

But the board decided yesterday to delay implementation of the new rules 
until at least March 8, the next board meeting.

Miller said yesterday he is backing the Toronto Police Association's bid to 
prevent the drug tests.

'READY TO GO TO COURT'

"I don't believe in random testing people," Miller said. "I believe in 
proper supervision. I believe drug testing is only appropriate where there 
is some evidence to support it."

The police union has balked at any drug testing and has its lawyers ready 
to challenge it in court.

"We're ready to go to court, we just don't think it's necessary," said 
union president Dave Wilson.

He said he is counting on Miller's support to sway the board.

"None of the problems that have come to light have been drug related," 
Wilson said.

"There is no systemic problem on the Toronto Police Service with drug 
problems. It doesn't exist."

The union wants police supervisors trained to spot any drug issues with 
officers rather than having drug tests, like New York City cops face.

Wilson called this a violation of the human rights and Charter of Rights 
and Freedoms of police officers.
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