UK: Drive by Yard to end drug abuse in police

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Times, The (UK)

Friday 02 Jun 2000

Subj: UK: Drive by Yard to end drug abuse in police

Date: 2 Jun, 2000

Source: Times, The (UK)

Drive by Yard to end drug abuse in police
BY STEWART TENDLER, CRIME CORRESPONDENT

SCOTLAND YARD officers will risk dismissal if they test
positive for drugs in a new drive launched today to clean up
the force.

Senior Met officers expect that tests will be in use within
18 months, starting with officers joining specialist squads
and recruits. Eventually they could cover all 26,000
officers and 12,000 support staff.

As a prelude to full drugs tests, the Yard is launching a
campaign today urging any officer with a drug problem to
come forward for treatment. Officers are told that if they
ignore the offer, they could face severe penalties if tests
uncover drug use later.

In the past year the Yard has retired three officers for
alcoholism. In the past two and a half years seven officers
have been dismissed for drug offences. At least six are
facing drugs charges.

Commander Andy Hayman, head of the Yard's complaints
investigation bureau and drugs policy group, said the Yard
had decided to start its programme with a supportive policy,
then follow that with testing. Earlier this year the Yard
said it would stand by Detective Constable Colin Goring who
admitted he spent =A3160 a day on cocaine and cannabis. His
addiction became public during a murder trial.

Any officer now found dealing in drugs or in possession of
them will face prosecution. Guidelines being sent to senior
officers urge firm action. Each officer's case will be dealt
with individually and doctors and senior officers will
decide whether he or she should remain on duty.

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