A union representing deputies in Onondaga County is claiming the drug policy for screening new hires may have been violated - and not everyone was held to the same standard.
In an e-mail to county legislators dated on April 13, the president of the Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Association, Jeff Passino, writes:
“OCSPA has requested that Sheriff Conway rescind the conditional offers of employment of several candidates who have been offered the civil service position of Deputy Sheriff Police Officer, knowing that these individuals were not recommended to be hired due to being in violation of the Sheriff’s Office drug policy and other disqualifying factors. OCSPA’s email and request has fallen on deaf ears to this point.”
A separate message to Undersheriff Jason Cassalia and Chief of Police Joseph Ciciarelli, dated April 1, adds:
“OCSPA also believes these issues are a ‘matter of public concern’ as the citizens/taxpayers of Onondaga County need to be assured that its Police Officers are sober and free from the use of marijuana and narcotic drugs.”
That claim is part of a union grievance, headed to arbitration. The emails did not offer any specific evidence supporting the claims.
A large class of officers is going through training now at an academy in Onondaga County – but the union doesn’t identify which job candidates sparked the complaint.
When asked about the union claims, Sheriff Gene Conway said he won’t comment on personnel matters. But, when he was interviewed about a separate story involving the training academy last week, Conway did say there is a smaller group of candidates to choose from.
“Really don’t know the reason for it, but I know in talking to my colleagues in other sheriff’s offices across the state, talking to state police representatives, we’re all seeing a decline in interest,” Conway said during an interview about recruitment efforts and training last week. He added, “There are openings, there are vacancies. So, we continue our recruitment efforts, but we also realize that we are now competing with other agencies for the best candidates.”
The sheriff would not say if that issue led to any changes in the criteria for approving job candidates.
While Conway wouldn’t confirm if there is an active drug policy for screening new hires, a document provided to Spectrum News reads, “Candidates for a sworn position cannot have used marijuana without a prescription from a licensed practicing physician within the past two years preceding the date of their application for employment.”
The document titled “Selection Process – Initial Screening Drug Policy” also adds: “Candidates for a sworn position cannot have used any illegal drug, other than marijuana, within the 5 years preceding the date of their application for employment.”
Presidents from two unions that represent deputies say they can’t talk about the grievance, but they are concerned about the safety of officers.
The email sent to county legislators fell into the lap of the chairman of the Public Safety Committee, Chris Ryan, who said he’s keeping an eye on talks.
“As the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, these allegations have been brought to my attention. They are very serious and concerning – and we take them seriously,” Ryan said. “But, we’re going to allow the grievance and arbitration process to play out. Any further action will be based on the arbitrator’s decision.”
