Governor Eases Position Against State Drug Tests

Gov. George Deukmejian, who generally opposes mandatory drug testing of state workers, disclosed Tuesday that his Administration is surveying certain “sensitive” jobs to determine “which positions if any should require some drug testing.”

Deukmejian did not say which employees might be targeted, but in answer to a reporter’s question the Republican governor all but ruled out drug testing for himself.

“I don’t have any objection to taking such a test, though I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary for someone in my particular position,” Deukmejian said.

The governor’s remarks came during a ceremony in his Capitol office to announce the signing of 17 anti-drug bills. Calling drug abuse “an immeasurable tragedy and a mindless waste,” Deukmejian also vowed to double the number of state narcotic enforcement agents, if he is elected to a second term.

To Propose Added Funds

Deukmejian said he would propose an additional $7.5 million for the state Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement in his state budget program in January. This would add 65 field agents to the bureau’s current force of 130.

The concept of mandatory drug testing has become a major political issue, particularly in light of the recent surge in the use of cocaine that is now regarded as a national epidemic.

President Reagan added his voice to the clamor last week when he issued an executive order requiring drug testing for federal employees in sensitive jobs. Reagan earlier agreed to voluntary drug testing for himself and top White House officials.

On Tuesday, Deukmejian reiterated his opposition to widespread drug testing of state workers, but added that “there are probably some positions that are highly sensitive where (drug use) could have immediate personal impact on some citizens. In those cases, perhaps some drug testing might be warranted.”

Of the 17 bills signed by the governor, 12 were carried by Democratic legislators and were not part of a legislative package crafted by the Administration. Deukmejian, nonetheless, sought to take credit for the measures, telling reporters that “it’s fair to assume we’ve been supporting this package as we have most bills relating to crime and law enforcement.”

What is most important, Deukmejian emphasized, is “whether or not I sign the bills.”

The ceremony was planned to highlight Deukmejian’s efforts to fight drug abuse at a time when polls show that Americans consider illicit drugs one of the nation’s most pressing problems. A Los Angeles Times Poll earlier this month found that the majority of Californians view drug use as the most important issue in the gubernatorial campaign.

Recognizing the voter appeal of the issue, Deukmejian and his Democratic rival, Mayor Tom Bradley of Los Angeles, have been sparring in campaign appearances over the question of which candidate has done more to eradicate drugs.

Deukmejian sidestepped criticism from Bradley on Tuesday and instead touted his own record “as one who has been fighting drug abuse and drug-related criminal activity for over 20 years.”

The bills signed by Deukmejian call for tougher penalties for drug- and alcohol-related crimes, establishment of a California Criminalistic Institute to upgrade police crime labs and a Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Program to help local police shut down illicit drug manufacturers.

Other aspects of the package would declare “money laundering” by drug dealers a crime and increase penalties for “playground drug pushers,” those who furnish “rock” or “crack” cocaine to minors and for users of the drug PCP. The package also would help finance drug education programs through assessments on convicted drug offenders.