Pubdate: Thu, 12 Oct 2006
Source: Reading Eagle-Times (PA)
Copyright: 2006 Reading Eagle Company
Contact:  http://www.readingeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1399
Author: Dan Kelly
Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our 
editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who 
have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise 
public figures or officials

DISTRICT JUDGE: GIVE DRUG TESTS TO COURT STAFF

Wally Scott says mandatory checks would answer those  who claim 
illegal-drug use is common among elected  officials, county staff and 
law enforcement personnel.

Reading District Judge Wally Scott said Wednesday that  he wants all 
district and county judges and their  staffs to submit to random, 
mandatory drug testing.

Scott, in an Oct. 3 letter to Berks County President  Judge Arthur E. 
Grim, wrote that he believes judges and  their staffs should be held 
to a high standard.

"I am asking that a policy for mandatory drug testing  for the 
judiciary be implemented," Scott wrote.

Grim said he is reviewing Scott's proposal.

Scott said he's been criticized for issuing high bails  in drug 
cases, especially for [Name redacted] and [Name redacted] .

Scott set bail at $1 million and $500,000,  respectively, on July 8 
after police said they found  marijuana growing in the couple's 
basement in the 200  block of Douglass Street.

A county judge released the couple from the county  prison on their 
own recognizance two days later.

Scott said many of his critics argue marijuana should  not even be 
illegal. They also insinuate there are  judges, court staff and law 
enforcement personnel who  use drugs but don't have to submit to 
testing because  of their positions, Scott said Wednesday.

"I was surprised to find out there is not mandatory  drug testing for 
any personnel in the judiciary as well  as for other elected 
officials as well as law  enforcement officers," Scott wrote.

Grim said this week that the issue deserves further consideration.

"Is it important for the judiciary to have a standard  of conduct not 
only equal to but higher than ordinary  people?" Grim asked. "Yes. In 
all areas of our life, we  should be extraordinarily well-behaved."

He said labor contracts and other factors might make it  difficult to 
impose a stricter drug-testing policy.

County employees must pass a drug test when they are  hired and must 
submit to drug testing if a supervisor  suspects they are abusing 
drugs or alcohol, officials  said.

"Simply testing people when they are hired isn't enough  in my mind," 
Scott said.

Scott said he also sent the letter to the other 17  district judges 
in Berks County.

District Judge Nicholas M. Bentz of Shillington,  president of the 
Berks County District Judges  Association, declined comment.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Elaine