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MANDATORY DRUG TESTING POSSIBLE FOR COUNTY ELECTED OFFICIALS

SAN BERNARDINO -- Random drug testing may become mandatory for San Bernardino County elected officials and department heads. 

A letter was sent Thursday to Chairman Paul Biane and all County Board of Supervisors requesting the drug testing from San Bernardino County Treasurer-Tax Collector Dick Larsen. 

"Mandatory random drug testing ensures the public that exempt employees are upholding their Oath of Office and the laws of the State of California," Larsen said.  "Illegal drug use should not be tolerated."

These employees are not represented by labor unions and consist of elected officials, department heads and their top management staff. 

The county currently has the option to drug or alcohol test employees if there is reasonable cause.  This policy would make random drug testing mandatory. 

"This is no different than any business would want from their employees," Larsen said. 

He is recommending the mandatory random drug testing program be established in conjunction with input from Human Resources Department and County Counsel. 

A policy would be adopted by the Board of Supervisors. 

"It is a privilege to work for this County," said Larsen.  "The elected officials and exempt employees should lead by example and be held to a standard that the public expects."