Mandatory drug tests for police/fire

PALMER, Mass. (WWLP) - Police and firefighters could be required to take random drug tests if a state approves a new bill.

Representative Christopher Donelan sponsored the bill that would call for mandatory drug and alcohol tests for public safety employees. Many disagree as to how the state should implement such testing.

Local residents say random drug tests at work is nothing new.

Christina Joubert of Holyoke told 22News, "Yes, I've heard about it, my job drug tests."

Now, public safety employees might have to undergo drug tests as well, as the bill is working its way through Boston.

Many police departments already perform drug tests, at times when an officer is first hired or when some suspect a problem.

Palmer Police Chief Robert Frydryk, who is also President of the Western Massachusetts Police Association, says drug testing itself isn't a bad idea.

Frydryck told 22News, "99.9 percent of police officers would not have a problem with it, they would not be effected by the test, because they're police officers, they're responsible people. It would be more palatable for everyone involved if they were part of the process before the legislation was enacted."

However, many residents say it would only make public safety workers look better.

Terese Prebish of Southwick told 22News, "Definitely, because they work with the public and they are held to high standards, as examples and role models, I think they need to."