GLENDALE : Center Backs City’s Drug-Testing Policy

A Washington-based public interest center representing more than 60 California cities, towns and officials has filed a court brief supporting Glendale’s sweeping drug-testing policy.

The brief argues that Glendale and all other cities should be permitted to test all applicants for city positions for illegal use of drugs.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge last year ordered Glendale to scale back its policy to applicants for only certain jobs. Specifically, the ruling found that testing is appropriate for prospective law enforcement officers, people who would be entrusted with the public safety and people who would have access to large amounts of money.

City officials said the definition is broad, allowing testing to continue for 80% of city positions.

Meanwhile, the city and the American Civil Liberties Union--which objects to drug testing as a violation of constitutional right to privacy--are appealing the ruling before the state Court of Appeal in Los Angeles.

In its brief filed July 12, the Washington Legal Foundation, which advocates the rights of employers to test employees for drug use, argues that, because of “the high costs and detrimental effects associated with drug abuse, Glendale has a compelling interest to implement its drug-testing program so that it may provide a drug-free work environment.”

Following the ruling last year, Glendale officials eliminated testing of a few applicants, such as those seeking positions as custodians or clerks, officials said.