WV Troopers Allege Ticket Quotas
WV Troopers Allege Ticket Quotas Save Email Print
Posted: 2:37 PM Nov 18, 2008
 Last Updated: 2:37 PM Nov 18, 2008
 Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Nearly 70 percent of State Police troopers don't believe there are enough officers in the field throughout West Virginia.

A new survey also found that nearly a fourth of troopers complain State Police brass impose an unofficial monthly quota for traffic warnings or citations. About 30 percent say they're punished for not meeting that quota.

And more than one-fifth of those surveyed believe troopers are arbitrarily transferred or relocated as a form of discipline, though that's against state law.

Legislative auditors queried all 445 troopers assigned to field posts in May. At least 82 percent responded, and the 26-question survey yielded more than 1,800 comments.

State Police officials dispute the quota allegations, and say they're addressing the manpower issue.
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Posted by: LOOKITUP on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:33 PM
OFFICERS THAT ARE TRAVELING OVER THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT SHOULD HAVE THERE LIGHTS AND SIRENS ACTIVATED. IF ENROUTE TO A CALL OF SERVICE AND THEY DEEM IT NECESSARY TO SPEED THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO ACTIVATE ALL EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT. SOMEONE MENTIONED EARLIER ABOUT THE TROOPERS SPEEDING TO GET TO A CALL. IF SOMEONE WAS INSIDE YOUR HOUSE AND YOUR WERE INSIDE AS WELL, THE TROOPERS SHOULD NOT BE LOUD GETTING THERE...WELL, IF I WAS A BETTING MAN A ELDERLY WOMEN WOULD PROBABLY HOPE THAT THE OFFICERS HAVE THERE SIRENS ON SO THE PERP WOULD LEAVE HEARING THEM RESPONDING. IF NOBODY WAS IN DANGER, YES THE OFFICERS WOULD WANT TO SNEAK UP AND CATCH THEM. THINK ABOUT IT FOR A MINUTE...THE TROOPERS DO A WONDERFUL JOB...THEY NEED THE CITIZENS SUPPORT, THEY GET MORE CRITICIZED THEN APPRAISED. THOSE WHO CRITICIZE ARE QUICKLY TO CALL THEM WHEN THEY NEED HELP THOUGH...ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SHOULD BE APPRAISED... YES,THERE IS ALWAYS A ROTTEN EGG IN THE BUNCH, JUST AS ANY PROFESSION.
Posted by: Daryl on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Drive 79 to Morgantown before a WVU football game and the state police will blow you off the road doing about 80 mph and talking on there cell phone! My last speeding ticket was on I-77 at South of Edens Fork 74 in a 70, $165.00 fine!
Posted by: QueenBee on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Someone just needs to do a comparision in Troop 4 with a few of the other troops. Here you will find that this is one troop that is so subject to the quota via experiencing transfers due to not meeting the "expected level of activity", preferential treatment, transfers based upon conflit in personality, etc.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:03 AM to anonymous on November 19th at 6:36 PM. , obviously you are a sex offender; that is the most ignorant thing i have read, you think that the "cops" are going to make up bogus claims that you are a sex offender just to put you on that site to ruin your life? seriously, if you was with an underage girl because she "lied" about her age, that is your fault, your ignorance, don't blame the "cops". I AGREE. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING!
Posted by: Mike on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:17 PM
If they dont like the quota then quit and find a different job.
Posted by: PAS on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:57 AM
HIRE MORE GET READY BECAUSE THE WAY THINGS ARE THESE DAYS WE ARE GOING TO NEED ALL WE CAN GET
Posted by: Petey on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:48 AM
The WV Code gives only two reasons that an officer may break the speed limit: 1) When responding to an emergency call, 2) When he/she suspects another of a traffic violation. The Code also requires emergency lights in order to break traffic codes such as running red lights and speeding. If the cops don't know this, they should be informed. I believe the know the rules and choose to ignore them. In session you will never see a member of the legislature pulled over. The ones from the north are always in a hurry to make it to Charleston and go 90 mph or more. They are never pulled over due to their special license plates they designate them as members of the state legislature.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Yes there is a quota. If this quota is not met, you are disciplined in the form of an EPA 2. I believe the expression is "expected level of activity" a.k.a. quota. The expected level of activity is also "expected" during the winter months as well. The State Police needs to concentrate on criminal work first. Road work should be secondary and not mandated. But yes there is a quota in the State Police.
Posted by: I luv green on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:18 AM
nothing will be done with this. nothing was done over Gonzales' suicide that was brought on by the "Brass Class" I say you guys rock, love all of you. Keep up the good work, We Love Green.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 10:03 AM
to anonymous on November 19th at 6:36 PM. , obviously you are a sex offender; that is the most ignorant thing i have read, you think that the "cops" are going to make up bogus claims that you are a sex offender just to put you on that site to ruin your life? seriously, if you was with an underage girl because she "lied" about her age, that is your fault, your ignorance, don't blame the "cops".
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:51 AM
I know some cops and I think they do a good job. But its the "bad apples" that give them a bad name. A few times I have been driving and a cop would come around a very dangerous curve at about 95 mph in the other lane. Although he might be responding to a call, wouldn't it be more important to watch the safety of the other people on the road also! Next time it happens, I will call 911 myself.
Posted by: Sherman on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:17 AM
The State POlice were created as Strike Breakers in 1919. That's it! Henchmen for companies. Now why would it surprise anyone they just pick on people that can't defend themselves. It's in their blood
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:36 PM
its also sad that the state police can make their own laws up and destroy others lives , i know a few cops that do things their own way i even know of one stateing if they dont like you they will get you for what ever they want dont you love where our tax money is going to let gun ho cops make their own laws and how about the sex offender site i know many that are on that site that dont belong on it that web site has been miss used and so many people are on that site that dont belong on it just because the cop was out to get someone . so use the sex offender site just to ruin people and take away from its true use . so where is the justice in that a girl can lie about her age and the guy will be a sex offender that law is nothing more than a joke for the cops ,.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:51 PM
To John: Just because a policeman doesn't have their lights on does not mean they're not responding to a call. Suppose someone breaks in your house. You call the police and you're sitting there waiting for them to get there. Now that isn't a call that they should be running lights too. But you as the victim surely want them to get there as quickly as possible. If they poke along and take their time they may get a more important call and have to leave you sitting for even longer while they go arrest someone or take a car crash or any number of things. Most times policemen are not driving fast just "because they can" They're doing it because they don't have enough officers and are trying to serve the public as quickly and efficiently as possible. The trooper that you asked that question too is obviously the exception and not the rule. There are bad seeds in every job.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Someone may be able to write 5 tickets a day but if they cannot then there should be no disapline if they are working on other cases. I agree with some of the other commenters, I too have often seen cops (not just the state) speeding and they should not be going 20 over the limit w/out their lights on. This is a thankless job and everybody thinks they should do this or do that but you don't know what they do until you set behind the wheel of a cruiser. The way I look at it, if you want to avoid a ticket, just get behind one. hehehe
Posted by: trpr. O'Crien on Nov 19, 2008 at 03:46 PM
How ironic the state police accusing the upper brass of misconduct. They protect the officers from violating laws against the average law abiting citizen consistently. File a freedom of information on the WVSP and find out for yourself. Nothing but ripoffs, and unprofessional Jokes. The whole lot. Wa,Wa,WA,Wa,-OH,WELL
Posted by: joe on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Just for the record! the WVSP gets 0 profit from the "State of West Virginia Uniform Traffic Citation" it all goes to the cities, county commisions, regional jail authority, etc. The WVSP gets nothing "extra" for the amount of citations they issue
Posted by: John on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:27 PM
I don't mind troopers issuing tickets, but I get mad to constantly see troopers speeding in the fast lane, at all times. I know that they are not responding to a call, because their lights are not on. Second, Very seldom do I see a Trooper wear a seat belt. When I ask a trooper a bout both of the mentioned items, he smiled and said ,IT's BECAUSE WE CAN. As you can guess, I lost my respect for most Troopers at that point.
Posted by: Melinda on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:03 PM
You know what kills me is every single one of you all have posted trash about these state troopers and you have no idea what they do they do more than you! Everytime I call one there there before the county or city gets there. If you think you can do any better lets see you do their job "IF YOU CAN PASS THE TRAINING". You try being in their shoes, you people sicken me your so quick to judge someone ele's job and you couldn't do any better, And to joe dirt, certain people work the criminal cases you have to be assigned not like you would know that because you probably work in dirt. I'M NOT UPSET WITH MY TAX MONEY I'M UPSET WITH THE WELFARE SYSTEM LETTING POT HEADS GET MONEY AND NOT WORKING TO HAVE KIDS AND SELL DRUGS WITH THEIR KIDS PRESENT AND OUR POLITICIANS NEED TO FOCUS ON DHHR MORE THAN ANYONE ELSE.
Posted by: Pablo on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I believe Governor Manchin has appointed as the head of the state police someone that is not capable of running the department properly. Since Manchin has been in office we are constantly reading about problems in the state police department that wasn't an issue before Manchin took office. Of course, I have no reason to believe that Manchin is man enough to admit he's appointed the wrong person for the job. Denials from the head of the state police is not addressing the issues. I'm asking the governor to do the right thing, stop the denials and get to the problems facing our troopers.
Posted by: lol on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:18 AM
There IS DEFINITELY a quota in the state police. You MUST write a minimum of 100 contacts per month or you WILL be disciplined. This is not an allegation, it is a fact. Troopers should be given immunity to testify against the wrongdoings of the department - otherwise there will be disciplinary transfers, which is also illegal. WVSP needs to go to straight 4 10hours shifts
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:44 AM
If troopers would spend more time working on their "quotas" then they would not have the time to spend at the children's ball practice and games. This is probably why they are upset. The taxpayers should be the ones upset, using patrol cars and department time while coaching and/or watching practice and games.
Posted by: joe dirt on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:28 AM
If troopers have to have 100 contacts a month then they dont have the chance to work on criminal cases, which is the back bone of the West Virginia State Police.
Posted by: Ken on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:20 AM
This all is a reflection on the upper Brass mangement. They can hide behind their positions and not be questioned. They can alway justify it some way. You should start at the top and work you way down insted of starting at the bottom. Do you think this will ever change.....They may say it has. There is no reason why they should not be required to publish what the quota is and at what time of the month they have so many and the goal they are trying to reach. Treat is just like any other business. If they are targeting a certain stretch of road and it's published it will help reduce everyone's speed. Just like they publish the traffic stops for the DUI and such. Just some thoughts...
Posted by: Mike on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I'm sorry but it kills me when every state police agency in the country says they are the best agency. COME ON.......GET REAL! I would think metropolitan police departments see and deal with a lot more violent crimes than troopers who traditionally deal with speed enforcement and rural area patrol.
Posted by: MarshallGrad on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Hey anonymous from Nov, 19, 2008 at 0101AM. The Ohio State Highway Patrol works criminal investigations on any property owned by the State of Ohio if I remember correctly. They also participate in various types of investigations not directly related to highways. Anyway.......................... I feel the WVSP should be primarily a criminal investigations unit because in most of the state they are better trained and equipped to investigate violent crimes.
Posted by: mtnproud on Nov 19, 2008 at 08:47 AM
As a person who spends 75% of my time traveling for work; I am thrilled that the presence of the State Police has been increased on our state roads. Have I ever been cited for speeding? Yes. Should I have been cited? Yes. I would rather see a Trooper out writing tickets than sleeping in their cruisers as they were known to do in the past. This whole “story” sounds like a few lazy whiners who don’t want to do their jobs trying to cause problems for their superiors who demand that they earn the salary that they are paid. Kudos to whomever in the administration is demanding performance from their employees! Other state agencies should look to the State Police for some best practices standards.
Posted by: THINK ABOUT IT on Nov 19, 2008 at 02:55 AM
IT WILL MAKE TROOPERS HAVE A TENANCY TO WRITE POOR OR CITATIONS JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE SCARED THEY WONT MAKE THE QUOTA. THIS IS INSANE!!! THE MEN HAVE HARD ENOUGH JOBS AS IT IS. THEY CONSTANTLY GET RIDICULED BY MOST OF THE PUBLIC ANYWAY. THEY HAVE A LOT ON THERE PLATE DAILY, LET ALONE TO WRITE CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CITATIONS WHILE TRYING TO CONDUCT SERIOUS CRIME INVESTIGATIONS. WV STATE POLICE NEEDS TO MAKE MORE DETECTIVES AND HIRE MORE TROOPERS TO BE ABLE TO DO SO THEN. YOU CANT MAKE A TROOPER ANSWER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND EXPECT THEM TO INVESTIGATE ALL OF THEM LIKE A DETECTIVE AND ALSO EXPECT THEM TO WRITE CITATIONS AND MANY OTHER THINGS. THAT IS CRAZY, ESPECIALLY WHAT THEY GET PAID. HIRE MORE TROOPERS FOR THE STATE TO HELP THE PROBLEM. I KNOW ANY POLICE OFFICER OR TROOPER WHO READS THIS UNDERSTANDS WHAT IM SAYING. GOOD LUCK GUYS, FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT!!!
Posted by: Support our Troops on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:27 AM
The West Virginia State Police are the finest "State Police" department in the nation. The are not "Highway Patrol" and their administration should use them soley in that manner. WVSP has many other duties they are charged with and should not be required to meet a ticket quota. I'm not saying they should'nt write tickets, but not under a quota system. The Superintendent should realign his priorities so the troopers can concentrate on criminal investigations and arrests. Lastly, please don't use this article to trash the troopers. I, for one, feel much safer knowing their on the job.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 01:01 AM
Hey C. you must live in OH and not KY or WV. Over in those places the Troopers work criminal stuff on top of traffic. OH Trooper are highway patrol and dont do criminal cases unless its on the highway.
Posted by: tim on Nov 18, 2008 at 11:21 PM
So basically they hairass citzens because the have a quota.
Posted by: JR in WV on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Hey Bobsowv, you're comparing building doghouses to police work? First, the 100 contacts means more than traffic tickets...it's accident reports, complaint reports, arrests, investigations, etc. I agree, the 100 number is not unreasonable in most situations for a uniformed patrol trooper. However, to mandate that a ticket is written is insane. Every court in the land agrees that police officers have discretion to cite or not to cite. A more reasonable measurement would be to mandate traffic stops. Whether the result is a citation, warning, or some other official action should be left up to the officer. Ask questions if ALL are warnings, but never mandate citations.
Posted by: QueenBee on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Please let me clarify. There is a difference between quota and their required "contacts" quota. Now to further break down quota - Citations vs. Warnings. It's also those keeper tickets the troopers are required to write at a specific ratio of the required contacts.
Posted by: changeyoucankeep on Nov 18, 2008 at 10:39 PM
why don't you do a survey of the citizen to see how many of us are a victim of police brutality . People of West Vrginia need to wake up the kanawha valley is a cancer pit and you can thank the coal and chemical companies and your local and federal government ,news and police who sold you out. So next BLUE HAZE breathe deep and you can taste how much they cay care about you.
Posted by: c on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:45 PM
well just get rid of our state troopers we have deputys that does the same job there just a waste of tax payers money hte speed all over the place and dont bide by the laws they break them so just do without them peroid
Posted by: Bobsowv on Nov 18, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Quotas equal work, if your job is to make doghouses and it takes 1 hr to make a doghouse then you should make 40 doghouses a week or 160 a year. If you make only 2 doghouses that is below par... in 160 hrs its not unreasonable for them to make 100 contacts a month. They are paid to enforce the laws, that includes the traffic laws. More people are killed on the highways than are murdered, and guess what, most deaths are because someone broke the law. So there are job expectations at their job just like at yours. If a coal miner mines no coal then he isn't needed is he.
Posted by: Thankful on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:39 PM
I would much rather our troopers be taking criminals off the streets and protecting our children and neighborhoods than worrying about meeting their quota writing tickets. Hang in there troopers! You make our state proud!
Posted by: KY Resident on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I always heard this about ours and I live in Kentucky. However not worried about it though, I always drive the speed limit and obey the laws.
Posted by: Dale on Nov 18, 2008 at 08:19 PM
There IS DEFINITELY a quota in the state police. You MUST write a minimum of 100 contacts per month or you WILL be disciplined. This is not an allegation, it is a fact. Troopers should be given immunity to testify against the wrongdoings of the department - otherwise there will be disciplinary transfers, which is also illegal.
Posted by: Zee on Nov 18, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Police Quotas? What a Shock!! Duh. Everyone in America knows cops have a quota. It's nice to see some Honest ones willing to knock down the "Blue-wall of silence".
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:56 PM
It's my understanding that most troopers are more interested in meeting the quota for most girlfriends than writing tickets. I expect they are more stressed by marital problems than from their superiors.
Posted by: Green on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:42 PM
West Virginia State Troopers is the best in the Nation. The Brass is the worst in the Nation. The Troopers DOES NOT need more stress added to them. Troopers is only human just like us and after awhile it takes it toll on us and then the next thing you hear is Suicides and Domestic troubles start. Yes there is a Qouta on citations this is because it makes the Brass look good to the Governer of West Virginia...
Posted by: annoymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:10 PM
What is this...slow news day? This has been alledged and denied for years. Fess up. You want the publics trust and cooperation...earn it by telling the truth yourself, WVSP. Bet those detachment commanders would love to get their hands on those surveys and the names that go with them.
Posted by: j on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:45 PM
They deny it because they call it "contacts", instead.. The WVSP up at headquarters know it is true and pass it down to the detachment commanders..then put the pressure on get their troops numbers up.
Posted by: Mark on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Now try and tell me it's not more about revenue and justification of their existence than about safety!
Posted by: Kimberly on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:18 PM
I was engaged to a WV State Trooper for several years. There is most definately a quota that they are to meet each month on citations.
Posted by: summersville resident on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:16 PM
WE ALL COULD HAVE GUESSED THAT IF YOU DRIVE AT ANY TIME ON 19 THROUGH SUMMERSVILLE DA
Posted by: Lisa on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:11 PM
As someone who has worked with the West Virginia State Police regarding various public safety formus,trainings, and public hearings...these men and woman work very hard in ways the general public does not often see. I hope that the comments and feedback from the Trooper survey will be used in a positive manner to help the Troopers, and the Administration listen to their needs.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 18, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I have a family member that is a Trooper, and yes there is a quota! They must write X amount of tickets per month. If they fail and it has been a on going problem,the Trooper will get sent to the turnpike for retraining, i.e. write tickets or else!!!
Posted by: Rick on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Duh!
Posted by: And you pulled me over because why? on Nov 18, 2008 at 04:30 PM
In other words you are guilty until proven innocent. A bit backwards wouldn't you say?
Posted by: Sue on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:50 PM
We have some Great West Virginia Troopers! Since warning and cititions vary from day to day the TROOPERS SHOULD NOT be PUNISHED for NOT MEETING a Quota! It's UNFAIR! You can't blame them for not wanting to be transferred, because of their families! Those that choose to do so fine,if they can! To put them under this kind of pressure must be very stressful! Post a Comment for our West Virginia Troopers!
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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 1/4
  • Posted By: Fixed that for you: Any one who is paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them. Its simple NO TEST, NO CHECK. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for our money to go to people in government and on welfare who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: Chris to WSAZ: To all the workers and employees of WSAZ: Thank you for being there and allowing comments about the news.Our family watch only WSAZ news and enjoy each of you. I know that the recognition that you receive is little to none,but you deserve better.This goes out to the producers,cameramen,to everyone behind the scenes and the ones that are seen too. Thank you for having the best news program available to the public. God Bless Each and Everyone of You. Chris
  • Posted By: redbaron: in response to pablo on comment dated 01/06 - EXCUSE ME!! I do believe FIREFIGHTERS also risk their lives for total strangers and no they are NOT law enforcement!
  • Posted By: omg: I am so sick and tired of hearing how public school teachers are indebted to the public for their salary. Many of you are so freakin nosey that if your neighbor stopped too fast, you'd have to get a crane to remove your head from their rear. I am so tired of this drug test line. Teachers deserve to pee in peace and so do you. Why should teachers be forced to have their personal lives paraded all over the news? That is exactly what would happen. If a typical joe blow got fired from the coal mines for drugs, it wouldn't make front page news. A teacher being fired for drugs would. You people expect teachers to be the mother, father, grandparent, clergyman, counselor, as well as the teacher. You don't do anything with your kids but expect the teacher to fix all the problem you create. Some of them probably need drugs by the time they are done raising your spoiled kids who think the world owes them something on a silver platter. Take your own drug test before you get pregnant.
  • Posted By: Sophie: Re: The student (Hinzman?) being expelled for using foul language after being bullied & beaten on school grounds; you should not have been expelled for expressing your hurt, anger & disgust. You were a victim and did nothing. It is unreasonable to punish the victim - so what if he cussed - I'd cuss too if someone beat the beegeebers out of me. The kid who beat you should receive jail time & counciling; the kid who filmed you & released it on U-Tube should too. It has often been said that television is desensitizing our children so badly they have no empathy for others. This is a prime example. I hope the school board will have enough common sense to clear this victims school record of the incident as he should not have been expelled, and get him counciling also as such a trauma will surly have an effect on a young life.
  • Posted By: Boyd: Any one who is employed and gets paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them for their work. Its simple NO TEST, NO JOB. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for federal, state and municipal employees who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: George: As a parent I have no problem being drug tested. I'll stand in line right behind Katy.
  • Posted By: goodorbad: I look at it like this-if you dont have anything to hide, shut up and do the test!
  • Posted By: Rick: I think all teachers should be drug tested, I drive a transit bus for our county and I want the public to know I am drug free and teachers should want everyone to know the same, that their children are not in the care of people on drugs,if you have nothing to hide why object to random testing I know I don't
  • Posted By: Tea: I can't even imagine that our teachers have not been drug tested up until this time. Anyone who refuses should be fired. These are our children!!! People take drug test when they don't even work with people, let alone children. These are government jobs and we should have a say in what they have to do.
  • Posted By: Ari: Cheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joe: I have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: Katy: As a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
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  • Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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