Jul 2, 2009 4:29 pm US/Eastern
BPD Officers Suspended For Using Steroids
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Seven Boston police officers have been suspended for using steroids, and three others were suspended for being involved in "improper activity" at an after-hours club at a home in Hyde Park.
One other officer was suspended for knowing about the steroid use but not reporting it.
Commissioner Ed Davis announced the suspensions Thursday after a three-year investigation found that some officers were using enhancing drugs.
The investigation has led to changes for the Boston Police Department, including a proposal to include steroid testing in officers' annual drug tests, which it currently does not.
OFFICERS CAUGHT ABUSING STEROIDS
The officers who were suspended for using steroids include David Juba and Luke Holbrook. Juba was suspended for 80 days and is ordered to serve 45. Holbrook was suspended for 75 days and is ordered to serve 40.
The other officers received shorter suspensions -- 45 days, ordered to serve 30. They include officers Joseph Marrero, Richared Medina, Martin Harrison, Timothy Hancock and Det. Kenneth Gaines.
All of the officers must now adhere to career steroid testing. Further positive drug tests will result those officers being fired.
Officer Steven Gil was suspended for five days for not reporting steroid use among other officers.
Davis said four officers, including Juba, were involved in improper activity at a house on Factory Street in Hyde Park, sometimes when officers were in uniform. Davis did not elaborate on what type of activity took place at the residence.
"I am disappointed with the actions of the officers disciplined in this matter," Davis said. "With this chapter finally closed, the department will move forward with improved policies and practices resulting from difficult lessons learned. We remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the integrity of our department by taking every measure to prevent and when necessary uncover officer misconduct."
STEROID ABUSE LEADS TO BPD CHANGES
Some changes within the department have already taken place as a result of the steroid abuse. They include reasonable suspicion and integrity trainings for all supervisors.
All officers now receive enhanced health and wellness training that focuses on the dangers of steroid use. Steroid testing is now included in all pre-employment drug testing.
MOVING FORWARD
Davis is pushing to have steroid testing included in officers' annual drug testing, which it currently does not.
The department's drug policy currently states that every officer receives an annual drug exam, which tests for almost every narcotic and controlled medication including cocaine, heroin and Oxycontin. The drug test uses a hair sample and has a 99 percent accuracy rate.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments