FBI, DEA Staff Face Drug Test
The FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration said today that they are implementing a mandatory drug testing program for their agents who investigate illegal drug trafficking and for all applicants who want to become agents.
In addition, the two agencies also plan to conduct a computer-selected, random-sample drug testing program for all their employees, including agents and support personnel.
The testing program at both agencies was ordered by FBI Director William Webster.
“This policy is not the result of any specific emerging problems,” said Ray McElhaney, an FBI spokesman.
“It is in keeping with our steadfast commitment to forestall potential drug problems and to maintain the high standards that we set for employees of both agencies,” McElhaney said.
The FBI is hiring 350 agents in fiscal 1986, while DEA is hiring 300.
The FBI has 8,900 agents and 12,200 other employees. The DEA has 2,500 agents and an additional 2,300 in support personnel.
The program started last Friday at DEA, with tests being administered to 40 DEA agent recruits at Quantico, Va.
Sometime after Sept. 30, the DEA will begin random testing of all employees, both agents and support personnel, said Cornelius Dougherty, a DEA spokesman.
McElhaney said he did not have a date for the start of testing at the FBI.
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