Drug Testing of Police Officers
Chief Gates’ article presented the issue of drug testing of police officers for public safety as a current need more compelling than an individual officer’s rights. There is another issue in this debate that has not been raised, officer safety.
As a 13-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, I know that one of the key factors in an officer’s survival is the performance of his/her partner and fellow officers. Police officers have a right to know that those in which they entrust their lives are drug-free. An officer’s judgment, emotional stability, and physical stamina are essential in tactical situations, and these necessary qualities are inconsistent with drug use.
Individual officers have rights that must be protected. I have the right to know that the officers I depend on are not using drugs.
RICH GAMMEL
Los Angeles
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
