by Meghan R. Coleman

Created on: May 26, 2008

If random drug testing for police officers is unconstitutional, then many people with in our government institutions are unconstitutional. My mother who worked for parking enforcement for five years, was subject to random drug testing administered by her employer: the city government along with the officers. The Department of Family Services administers drug tests to those with children in Foster Care (not complaining). Not only would the government be unconstitutional, so would many businesses. Employees working in the oilfield have to take random drug tests. There is also a policy stating anyone on their premises has to comply with the company and also take a test whether they work for them or not. People who make minimum wage are also subject to these tests.

There should not be a law stating anywhere, that police officers should be held above the rest of society. I am not demeaning police officers by any means. I agree that they are a necessary evil in most cases that I have had contact with law enforcement. There are times that I have actually contemplated becoming a police officer because I wanted to be a civil servant. It's not the tests administered to a person in order to become an officer that stopped me. It is not the fact that it is a dangerous profession. It is the politics that surround the profession.

Police officers are around drugs everyday. Out of everyone else, I see it more logical for an officer to be on drugs other than a fast food worker with three kids because of this fact. If they were not being tested for drugs and alcohol, it would make it even easier for them to use and abuse.

Many of these officers see so many horrible things because of their profession. Because of the many mental illnesses that can be introduced to them, it is possible for them to also be using. Many veterans have come back from war addicted to drugs because of the events they have seen. To be honest on my part, I can not blame anyone who sees these types of events not use drugs. I do believe though that there are better alternatives out there, such as receiving mental help. Sadly enough, this profession also has its faults as does everything else.

Many of the types of people who see these kinds of events could also be ashamed. Many people with a mental illness may perceive it as a weakness, and may not seek treatment. If people do opt for treatment, it is also on their record for the rest of their lives, and is seen as a downfall in many employment opportunities whether companies admit to it or not. So many people may see self medicating as a way of not having that strike on their record, even though their choice could land them in a worse predicament.

With the "War on Drugs" being so prominent in our society today, I could see someone being investigated just for agreeing to this comment. I can't understand myself, why someone can truthfully agree to this comment and not be on drugs themselves.

Learn more about this author, Meghan R. Coleman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.