Reagan, Cabinet Will Take Drug Tests to Set Example : Would Be Required for Some Jobs

President Reagan escalated his new war on drugs today with a call for mandatory drug testing for federal workers in sensitive jobs, and said he and his Cabinet will set an example for the nation by taking the tests themselves.

“Yes, we’ve all agreed that we would do it,” the President told reporters after delivering an address on his new drug policy.

“If this battle is to be won, and it must, each and every one of us must take a stand and get involved,” Reagan said. “Victory in this case is a drug-free generation.”

Reagan proudly noted that his wife, Nancy, has made her “just say no” campaign against drug abuse her top priority for five years.

‘America’s Crusade’

Declaring that “drugs in one way or another are victimizing all of us,” Reagan called on Americans to make “Nancy’s crusade . . . America’s crusade.”

When asked if his new anti-drug push meant that he was trying to take over her program, Reagan said to gales of laughter: “Do I look like an idiot?”

“Drug use will no longer be tolerated,” Reagan said. “They will learn to ‘just say no,’ ” referring to the slogan adopted by the First Lady.

The President personally announced to reporters six goals to beat the problem of drug abuse, including mandatory drug testing for federal workers in sensitive jobs and voluntary programs for the rest.

“Mandatory testing is justified where the employees have the health of others and the safety of others in their hands,” Reagan said in announcing how the government could ensure his first goal, of a drug-free workplace.

Voluntary for Most

“We’re pretty much agreed that what we should seek is voluntary” for the rest of the workers, he said.

The comprehensive plan to mobilize “every segment of our society against drug abuse,” would also include:

--Seeking drug-free schools by enlisting local school districts to educate on and enforce federal law, as well as seeking a commitment from state and local governments “to require schools to be drug-free.”

--Ensuring that those involved with drugs are treated by beefing up local programs, improving research--including on drug testing--and bolstering prevention efforts.

--Working for more cooperation from other countries involved in drug trafficking and continuing efforts “to hit traffickers where it hurts--in the pocketbook.”

--Strengthening law enforcement efforts on the U.S.-Mexican border and working for prompt and severe punishment for pushers, especially for those who sell near schools.

--Expanding public awareness and prevention.

“The time has come for a national mobilization, one that strikes at the heart of the problem,” he said.