Drug Testing in Law Enforcement and jails

[Concernedforhburg]

How does everyone feel about requiring both law enforcement and jail employees to submit to regular (not random) drug testing.

Would there be a benefit. Most of us have heard of tales where jailers sell illegal products to inmates. Off duty law enforcement officers are often see in bars locally dancing topless where the primary purpose of the business is a safe haven for drug abusers.

So, my question, would drug testing benefit the community and increase our overall safety? Or is drug use to a point where it is the norm in all walks of life.

[OTM]

This is a problem where? Has your safety been affected by a cop that was on drugs? Why not add nurses and doctors to that too? How about lawyers? That is the stupidest thing I've heard all week.

[Bahlk]

Who is going to pay for all these drug tests?

[Luvia]

Welfare recipients should be drug tested before anyone. Law enforcement? No way.

[Bahlk]

Law enforcement is already drug tested so Im not sure where the problem described in the OP is coming from. Just because someone deals / distributes drugs doesnt mean they take them.

[Engelbert Humperdinck]

I'm tested regularly for drug use and various STDs. I've passed all of them....though I did have a flaming case of the cooties one winter, in 3rd grade.

[fuzzis]

. Off duty law enforcement officers are often see in bars locally dancing topless where the primary purpose of the business is a safe haven for drug abusers.



Where does this happen? I could stand to see some dancing topless. :disco:

[g8rfan]

Sweet! There's a motorcycle popo dude who I wanna see topless. :oops:

[MamaTyson74]

I thought law enforcement was already tested for drugs?

[Bahlk]

They are

[brianinms]

Would there be a benefit. Most of us have heard of tales where jailers sell illegal products to inmates. Off duty law enforcement officers are often see in bars locally dancing topless where the primary purpose of the business is a safe haven for drug abusers.


Name the establishment that this so called activity is taking place. Additionally is this first hand information or just more of your hearsay?

[MamaTyson74]

They are
Then what is the original post about? Im so lost.....anyone want to throw me a rope?

[Pirate_129]

Law enforcement officers are already tested for drug use. Tested as much as any profession out there. As OTM said, if you're concerned about your safety, how about mandatory tests for doctors, bus drivers, EMT's, fry cooks at McDonalds.....it could go on forever.

You've brought some pretty serious allegations in your initial post. I'd ask you to back them up. If you can't be more specific than "off duty law enforcement officers," I'd guess this is a case of "I heard it from a friend of a friend."

[OTM]

Sounds like a bone to pick to me. A family member or friend must have gotten popped for drugs.

[Bahlk]

Then what is the original post about? Im so lost.....anyone want to throw me a rope?

I would think random testing would be a better benefit because there is no advanced warning to the test. If employee A knows he has a test on the 1st of every month, then he knows when the test is going to be. A random could pop up anytime.

[Kddn]

Maybe we should look at drug testing people wanting to become members of MH prior to acceptance! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

[Blockhead]

This is a problem where? Has your safety been affected by a cop that was on drugs? Why not add nurses and doctors to that too? How about lawyers? That is the stupidest thing I've heard all week.
Sounds like someone doesn't want to submit to drug testing. ;)

I think there'd be some significant turnover in law enforcement if drug testing were a part of the routine.

[Blockhead]

Welfare recipients should be drug tested before anyone. Law enforcement? No way.
There's 2 who need to fill the cup up to the black line.

[Rainey]

Someone in a police department believes they are above the law? I can not even come close to believing this good sir.

[OTM]

Sounds like someone doesn't want to submit to drug testing. ;)

I think there'd be some significant turnover in law enforcement if drug testing were a part of the routine.I've submitted before and I'll submit again. I'm just wondering why this person feels there is a need for it. If welfare recipients don't have to submit to it for free money that I have had to submit to it in order to make it for them, I don't have to either.

[hendrixfreak70]

bush's fault

[birthdaybunnie]

In the healthcare area where I work, we are only tested if there is a problem, ie, syringe found in the facility etc..

[Rainey]

I've submitted before and I'll submit again. I'm just wondering why this person feels there is a need for it. If welfare recipients don't have to submit to it for free money that I have had to submit to it in order to make it for them, I don't have to either.

OTM, I can understand that testing welfare recipients is a valid concern for you. However, how can that somehow be possible to relate to police officers being tested for drugs? I do not see the connection.

[OTM]

OTM, I can understand that testing welfare recipients is a valid concern for you. However, how can that somehow be possible to relate to police officers being tested for drugs? I do not see the connection.I don't see the connection either. Why single out police officers? This person still hasn't answered that. Maybe I'll understand if they would.

[Bahlk]

I believe like OTM said he has a beef against law enforcement and wishes to bash the ones that would be responding if he called 911 and needed help.

[Baloo]

Concernedfortheburg, I know that Hattiesburg Law enforcement officers are subjected to random drug testing.

As for them dancing topless on the bar, tell me where it is happening and I will be glad to investigate! :mrgreen:

Seriously, police officers are peolpe too and it is not against the law for them to hang out in a bar off duty.

If you ever have first hand knowledge of a police officer involved in criminal activity (you personally witnessed it) please go to the officer's chief or sheriff and report it and I can assure you that it will be investigated properly. None of us like a dirty cop, and none of us like false accusations either...

[JimmyJam]

Concernedfortheburg, I know that Hattiesburg Law enforcement officers are subjected to random drug testing.

As for them dancing topless on the bar, tell me where it is happening and I will be glad to investigate! :mrgreen:

Seriously, police officers are peolpe too and it is not against the law for them to hang out in a bar off duty.

If you ever have first hard knowledge off a police officer involved in criminal activity (you personally witnessed it) please go to the officer's chief or sheriff and report it and I can assure you that it will be investigated properly. None of us like a dirty cop, and none of us like false accusations either...

+1000 rep for you! :-D

[Rainey]

I don't see the connection either. Why single out police officers? This person still hasn't answered that. Maybe I'll understand if they would.

Oh ok, I was just making sure.

[dyates]

I think all law enforcement, teachers, doctors, nurses, etc. should be randomly tested for drugs. I was under the assumption they were already doing that but I learned otherwise. That's pretty scary.

[XC9]

I'm tested regularly for drug use and various STDs. I've passed all of them....though I did have a flaming case of the cooties one winter, in 3rd grade.
EEEEWWWWWW! :ohnoes: :ohnoes: Cooties :ohnoes: :laugh: :laugh: You were that boy momma told me stay away from. Did I listen?:kekeke:

[TheKing]

How does everyone feel about requiring both law enforcement and jail employees to submit to regular (not random) drug testing.

Would there be a benefit. Most of us have heard of tales where jailers sell illegal products to inmates. Off duty law enforcement officers are often see in bars locally dancing topless where the primary purpose of the business is a safe haven for drug abusers.

So, my question, would drug testing benefit the community and increase our overall safety? Or is drug use to a point where it is the norm in all walks of life.

what drug test comes up positive for the sale of drugs?

[XC9]

I did not realize we had a bar where topless dancing was going on. If you see this maybe you should whoop out that cellphone camera and get us a pic so you will have more credibility with your story. THEN you take it to the MH forum and WDAM will take it from there-lol. Really, that is the better of all ideas. Drug testing those who are selling will NOT necessarily get you what you are looking for-lot of big money lords sell but don't use so that would be pointless.

[EricStratton]

Drug testing, in any capacity or in any occupation/venue, is not really that effective....there are just too many ways to beat the system.....those who fail drug tests these days should be fired because, along with being drug users, they are probably idiots as well....

I've yet to see any positive cost/benefit analysis of drug testing in most professions.....it's a lot of money spent by either public tax dollars or private businesses to catch one or two dope heads....

[dyates]

it's a lot of money spent by either public tax dollars or private businesses to catch one or two dope heads....

Yeah but if it's a doctor or nurse I'd think it would be safe to say that was money well spent? I think if they had random testing..more so for doctors and nurses we'd definately see ALOT of people lose their liscense to practice. Afterall, in that profession, theres prime opportunity.

[cactus]

It may seem like a lot of money would be wasted to only catch one or two people, but a well established random drug testing policy will be a deterrent to many other potential users.

A drug test that is given in the proper way is actually very difficult to beat. Tests now screen for masking agents as well as temperature, acidity, and specific gravity among other things. I know this because its my job.

From what I have seen, most 'establishments' just want to be able to say that they have a drug testing policy in place. They are not really interested in catching anyone.

I also work in the healthcare industry. I know abuse exists but it would be easier for me to buy dope on the street then steal narcotics out of the locker.

[PHDPLEASE]

How does everyone feel about requiring both law enforcement and jail employees to submit to regular (not random) drug testing.

Would there be a benefit. Most of us have heard of tales where jailers sell illegal products to inmates. Off duty law enforcement officers are often see in bars locally dancing topless where the primary purpose of the business is a safe haven for drug abusers.

So, my question, would drug testing benefit the community and increase our overall safety? Or is drug use to a point where it is the norm in all walks of life.

Names, times, dates, and locations please. Otherwise, stop playing with hypotheticals before you anger some of these nice folks.

[Fish-Bait]

lmao....wth?

[Maggie-Doodle]

How does everyone feel about requiring both law enforcement and jail employees to submit to regular (not random) drug testing.

Would there be a benefit. Most of us have heard of tales where jailers sell illegal products to inmates. Off duty law enforcement officers are often see in bars locally dancing topless where the primary purpose of the business is a safe haven for drug abusers.

So, my question, would drug testing benefit the community and increase our overall safety? Or is drug use to a point where it is the norm in all walks of life.


Concerned, I have worked for two different police depts. and one S.O. I was subject to random drug test at all three. I didn't have a problem with that. I think the test should be random though. On occassion I take a couple of different meds (for migraines) that have a controlled substance in it. When I would take the drug test, I would tell the nurse what ALL my meds were, the dosage and the Dr.'s name....I never had a problem.

I DO NOT think L.E. should be singled out. From what I have read and heard there are probably more docs and nurses that do drugs than there are L.E. With that being said, I do not think alot of them are pill heads either. You will have that in any occupation though.

I DO agree with another poster however, EVERYONE on welfare should be tested before they get a monthly check....I resent like hell having to pay for someone to sit/lay around and do nothing but yet they can afford to buy illicit drugs on my money when it is getting more and more difficult for me to buy prescription drugs I and others HAVE to take for our health and well-being! Oh, and it is NOT illegal for officers to go to bars OFF duty...

[TheKing]

the only time drug tests are 'random' is when an accident happens.

edit: and its just used as a legal way of getting out of paying for any injuries.

for instance... my uncle worked on an oil rig... someone dropped a pipe ON HIS HEAD. He was just doing his job, there was no warning, just BOOM. A big ass pipe lands on a mans head.

This injured him and put him out of work.

They drug tested him and it came up positive because he does enjoy a fine joint.

He got relatively little money because of that.

But the weed had no effect on how or why he got hurt. But they played it up and used it to settle for 1/10th of what they should have.

[Fishing Girl]

I like everyone else in the world take medicine when a Dr. prescribes it for me, but I have never nor will I ever take illegal drugs. I value my life & body to much to want to destroy what I have.

With that being said I have been in law enforcement for the last 18 years and have been picked for random drug test and have never had a problem submitting to one.

[fuzzis]

I still want to know where the topless dancing happens. :disco:

[TheKing]

I still want to know where the topless dancing happens. :disco:

i feel reasonably certain that someone was helping spread some rumor they heard at church or somewhere else as equally unbecoming

[Natural Sunshine]

I think there are "bad apples" in any profession, but I have several friends that are in law enforcement and know that any of them could pass a drug test....they may have a beer when off duty but that's not against the law....as for doctors and nurses if it is pills then they can probably get away with it since they have the RX pads...but just because one person does wrong doesn't mean everyone does it...

That being said....where are they dancing topless? I want to see it!!!!

[Fire Extinguisher]

I cannot think of any city that does not have pre-employment testing, plus a substance abuse policy that calls for random..... or if the supervisor suspects. Most businesses that have employees that drive company vehicles also have the same thing.....

I was once called by the City of Hattiesburg for random..... 4 years in a row..... guess they finally decided I was clean...... and usually I thought the "random" was when they had an employee somewhere that they suspected was on something so instead of just testing that employee they did a bunch! (waste of money!!!)

I had to take one to start this job.... and will go everyday if the want to waste the money on it.

The only folks that have a problem with drug tests are those that have something to hide.... in most cases any how.

[itsmyopinion]

Law enforcement is already drug tested so Im not sure where the problem described in the OP is coming from. Just because someone deals / distributes drugs doesnt mean they take them.

That someone shouldn't deal / distribute drugs, tho...

[itsmyopinion]

I've submitted before and I'll submit again. I'm just wondering why this person feels there is a need for it. If welfare recipients don't have to submit to it for free money that I have had to submit to it in order to make it for them, I don't have to either.


If one of the arguements for LEOs taking regular testing being "who will pay for it" - well who will pay for the MANY MORE welfare recipients to be tested??? That's not reasonable and it's really an ignorant comment in my opinion.

[itsmyopinion]

lmao....wth?


FB - a lot more of your posts look like this these days - you just come in during the middle of the heat and you're like WTH JUST HAPPENED... it's funny! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[itsmyopinion]

And I am NOT saying that LEOs should be subject to more drug tests than any other profession of than what their city/precint chooses...

HOWEVER - I don't think that it's right to bash on people on welfare b/c WE pay for that - don't taxes and government funds go towards paying LEOs or am I mistaken?!?!?

[OTM]

And I am NOT saying that LEOs should be subject to more drug tests than any other profession of than what their city/precint chooses...

HOWEVER - I don't think that it's right to bash on people on welfare b/c WE pay for that - don't taxes and government funds go towards paying LEOs or am I mistaken?!?!?All I'm saying is that I have to take drug tests in order to make the money to give to them, they should have to take a drug test in order to get it. I think many people need assistance from time to time and have no problem in helping them, but in my line of work, I see how people abuse and cheat the system more than just the average citizen and it makes me sick.

[itsmyopinion]

And I can appreciate that 100% - while not ALL welfare recipients use/deal/distribute/abuse drugs, SOME do I am quite certain.

At the same time, you've got to understand why it would make us common-folk sick to think that the LEOs that we are supposed to be able to trust are corrupt in some way by either taking drugs or distributing/dealing/abusing them in the prison system - while not ALL leos do this, SOME do I am quite certain.

But - I still don't think you should be subject to routine, regularly scheduled drug testing more so than anyone else... :)

[norvil1]

but in my line of work,
and what is your line of work?

[itsmyopinion]

but in my line of work,
and what is your line of work?

???

[dispatch25]

I think that everyone on government assistance should have to be drug tested, and then booted off when they fail.

How does everyone feel about requiring both law enforcement and jail employees to submit to regular (not random) drug testing.

Would there be a benefit. Most of us have heard of tales where jailers sell illegal products to inmates. Off duty law enforcement officers are often see in bars locally dancing topless where the primary purpose of the business is a safe haven for drug abusers.

So, my question, would drug testing benefit the community and increase our overall safety? Or is drug use to a point where it is the norm in all walks of life.

[dcman]

Agreed!!!!!