ACLU questions random police drug tests

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Random drug tests at the Providence Police Department may be against the law, according to the Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) .

Mayor David Cicilline and Col. Dean Esserman announced the tests Monday , one of several action steps they plan to take in the wake of the State Police drug investigation dubbed Operation Deception .

• Click here for in-depth coverage of Operation Deception

Three Providence police officers were arrested in the sting last week. They are accused of protecting a cocaine distribution ring, and setting up drug deals. Four other officers have been placed on administrative duty.

• See a timeline of Operation Deception

Steven Brown of the Rhode Island ACLU said Monday night mandatory random drug testing is against the law in Rhode Island, under a statute enacted over 20 years ago. The law only allows drug testing when a person is hired, or if there is reasonable suspicion, Brown said.

Earlier Tuesday, Mayor Cicilline said he was confident a legal precedent existed which would allow drug screenings.

The Providence Fraternal Order of Police planned to hold a meeting Tuesday to discuss the Mayor's order. An order spokesperson said the union would release a statement following the meeting.