Pubdate: Wed, 06 Aug 2014
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2014 The Columbus Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93
Author: Lucas Sullivan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

COLUMBUS POLICE, FIRE CHIEFS NOW SUBJECT TO DRUG TESTS

Columbus police and fire chiefs now are subject to random drug tests, 
a move safety officials hope will increase accountability and trust 
within the divisions.

The city started the random tests for its highest-ranking officers a 
few months ago. It's the first time it has done so. Regular officers 
and firefighters have been subject to random tests for years.

Safety Director Mitchell J. Brown's office said there wasn't a 
particular reason for the new testing other than to hold chiefs to 
the same standards as their subordinates.

"There was an internal policy change that occurred earlier this 
year," said Amanda Ford, a spokeswoman for Brown's office. "They will 
all be tested at least once a year."

The pool includes Police Chief Kim Jacobs and her deputy chiefs and 
Fire Chief Greg Paxton and his assistant chiefs. The testing is done 
by a subsidiary of OhioHealth.

Ford said none of the chiefs has tested positive for any banned substances.

Chiefs will be scanned for prescription drugs, steroids and illegal 
narcotics. Those who test positive for prescription drugs will have 
to produce a doctor's order for the drug, according to the city's 
policy. All officers are subject to alcohol testing if there is 
suspicion of abuse.

Paxton said he learned of the new testing process when one of his 
assistant chiefs missed a staff meeting to take a random test.

He said his five assistant chiefs have no issues with the policy.

Police Officer Matthew Freetage, 34, was suspended in June and faces 
termination after an investigation found that he bought and used 
prescription drugs while on duty. Investigators determined that he 
purchased Vicodin and Percocet while in uniform. Freetage said he was 
conducting a narcotics investigation that he had not told his 
supervisors about.

Also this year, former Officer Stevie Billups was sentenced to 57 
months in prison for selling heroin and helping a suspected drug 
dealer while on duty.

"There have been suspensions, possibly even a termination or two, but 
most officers and firefighters, when faced with this issue, end up 
resigning," Deputy Safety Director Dan Giangardella said.

In some cases, employees who test positive have the option to enter a 
diversion program without losing their jobs.

Union officials said they are satisfied that random testing will be 
done on everyone.

"We believe in 'lead by example,' so I think this is very 
appropriate," said Jason Pappas, the president of Fraternal Order of 
Police Capital City Lodge No. 9. "It speaks well that they are 
willing to be subject to it just like we are."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom