Drug Testing of Police Officers
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Chief Gates’ article presented the issue of drug testing of police officers for public safety as a current need more compelling than an individual officer’s rights. There is another issue in this debate that has not been raised, officer safety.
As a 13-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, I know that one of the key factors in an officer’s survival is the performance of his/her partner and fellow officers. Police officers have a right to know that those in which they entrust their lives are drug-free. An officer’s judgment, emotional stability, and physical stamina are essential in tactical situations, and these necessary qualities are inconsistent with drug use.
Individual officers have rights that must be protected. I have the right to know that the officers I depend on are not using drugs.
RICH GAMMEL
Los Angeles
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