Pubdate: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 Source: Windsor Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2009 The Windsor Star Contact: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/letters.html Website: http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501 Author: Fred P. Brannagan Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1164/a05.html ADDICTS BREAK THE LAW EACH TIME THEY TAKE DRUGS Re: Addicted Cop Fights Dismissal, Dec. 26. K. Jull, lawyer for the constable in the case, calls for an "important judicial interpretation" regarding the duty of a police force to accommodate officers who suffer from the "disability of drug addiction." I would counter the main issue (for the protection of the public) as to what bounds police can constrain the actions of those seeking employment as police personnel. Mr. Jull feels people would have a different opinion of his client if he was addicted to alcohol. I agree. It is possible to have an alcohol dependency as a police officer (or any other job) and not break the law. However, a habitual narcotic addict, police officer or not, breaks the law each time he or she uses a narcotic that is prohibited by federal legislation. The "important judicial interpretation" in this case is to ensure nothing, including an addiction, gives the legal right to police personnel to participate in criminal or illegal acts. Not only could such a precedent compromise the integrity of the police, but it could also place at risk the safety and security of the community. Fred P. Brannagan Windsor - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom