The Region - News from Oct. 15, 1986

Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates’ proposal to begin random, mandatory drug testing of the city’s 7,000 police officers was put on hold until at least Nov. 15 by the Police Commission, pending the city attorney’s review of court cases in other communities. Commission President Robert L. Talcott and other members of the board said they want to make sure that officers’ constitutional right to privacy would not be violated if testing were implemented. Assistant Chief Robert L. Vernon estimated that 90% of the department’s sworn personnel favor drug testing. Vernon said the department does not have a drug problem, although he acknowledged that a few officers have been found to be narcotics users and have been disciplined accordingly. Under department policy, officers already can be tested for drugs if there is probable cause.