"Cops' Use of Illegal Steroids a Big Problem"

[Xicano]

The badge and a steroid-filled syringe -- it's not the typical image most have for the abuse of performance-enhancing drugs. But as more within law enforcement get nabbed in steroid investigations nationwide, observers say that usage levels among police officers could rival the seediest patches of the pro sports landscape.

"It's a big problem, and from the number of cases, it's something we shouldn't ignore," Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Lawrence Payne told AOL News. "It's not that we set out to target cops, but when we're in the middle of an active investigation into steroids, there have been quite a few cases that have led back to police officers."


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Joseph Santiago, a former police director in Trenton, N.J., told The Star-Ledger that Trenton had a "significant amount" of excessive force complaints.

"When you looked at these records, you start to see where there might be a correlation," Santiago told the newspaper. "Is it absolutely clear? No. Would a complaint have been there regardless of steroids? Those are issues that need to be addressed."

A lawyer for an 84-year-old Florida man who had his neck broken in September when he was thrown to the ground sought to get the Orlando police officer involved in the incident tested for steroids. The request was denied by the department, which claimed the test would violate the officer's rights.


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"Obviously, we have zero tolerance for any kind of drug use," said Jim Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, an organization that has about 350,000 members spread across some 2,100 chapters. "But just like anybody else, we believe officers have a right to due process, and we want to safeguard them from any (unnecessary) investigations."


http://www.aolnews.com/2010/12/26/illegal-steroid-use-among-police-officers-a-big-problem/

"But just like anybody else, we believe officers have a right to due process, and we want to safeguard them from any (unnecessary) investigations."

Oh....You mean like how we all have the "right to due process against (unnecessary) investigations" when it comes to....oh I don't know....like, say, drug testing without probable cause in the work place? Or being searched to the point of being assaulted/molested by tsa? Or how about cops stopping someone without probable cause and searching their pockets or going through their cars without first receiving permission or having a warrant? I've heard you police officers on many occasions cite these as examples of "good police work". Equally, wouldn't testing police officers for illegal drug use, drugs that have a known propensity to cause anger, short tempers and violent acting out be "good police work"?

First of all I agree with Jim Pasco, that there is a "right to due process". But given the actions of the police and the courts often times backing them with regards of violating the rights of citizens from their due process rights. Ultimately some of the points made in this article are just another example of how law enforcement believes its above the rules they enforce upon citizens.