Updated 02/22/2012 07:11 PM
Saratoga Springs considers random drug testing for police, fire departments
The City of Saratoga Springs is considering random drug testing for the city's firefighters and police officers. Our C.J. Spang spoke to city officials and union leaders and has the latest.
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- Following the arrest of Saratoga Springs firefighter Justin Moran on drug charges earlier this month, city leaders are exploring the possibility of random drug testing for the city's firefighters and police officers.
"The fact of the matter is, if the community at large really feels that this is something we ought to be doing, then I certainly will look into this," said Public Safety Commissioner Christian Mathiesen.
The Saratoga Springs Police Benevolent Association has a clause in its contract that allows for random drug testing. Testing never started because the policies and procedures were never agreed upon - and they would need to be for testing to begin.
"We're not opposed to it in any fashion," said PBA President Paul Veitch. "If they want to make that part of our contract and come up with a proper plan, we're all for it. We're not against it at all."
Leaders of the city's firefighters union aren't opposed to random drug testing, but they also have concerns about policies and procedures.
"Drug testing has been an open discussion for negotiations since I've been here," said Local 343 President Joe Dolan. "That's why I have to leave it at just negotiations. We're not opposed to it, but we definitely want to discuss it at the table. It's not just as simple as taking the test."
While Moran's arrest has led to this push for random drug testing, city leaders and union officials say it's an isolated incident.
"I've been advised by both the fire chief and the police chief that they feel there isn't a problem in these departments," Mathiesen said.
The city is already allowed to drug test police officers and firefighters with cause. But officials say they want to get to work immediately on agreements for random testing with both unions.