State Patrol losing recruits to prescription drugs
Sep 19, 2012, 9:32 AM | Updated: 10:58 am
The Washington State Patrol is having trouble filling dozens of vacant slots because prescription drug use is disqualifying scores of otherwise qualified candidates. (AP Photo)
(AP Photo)
The Washington State Patrol is having trouble filling dozens of vacant slots because prescription drug use is disqualifying scores of otherwise qualified candidates.
WSP spokesman Bob Caulkins says a number of recruits have admitted to taking someone else’s prescription drugs, which is against the law.
“What we’re talking about is the person who has an illness or an injury that if they went to their doctor would probably be prescribed the same medicine, but when you borrow it from your friend it’s a felony,” Caulkins says.
While candidates may have only done it once in their lives, it can be enough for disqualification. Caulkins says many don’t realize it when they admit it during the initial application process.
“People know that they’re going to get a lie detector test from us anyway so we will probably find out,” Caulkins says.
He says the state patrol currently has over 60 vacancies. With so many troopers retiring in the near future, the number is expected to grow significantly. The department will add eight district recruiters to work various parts of the state in hopes of expanding its reach.
