Should NH randomly test state police officers for steroid use?

Rep. J.R. Hoell (R-Dunbarton) is sponsoring a 2018 bill that would require random testing of state police officers for steroid use. Rep. Hoell sponsored a similar bill in 2016, which would have required steroid testing for many different law enforcement officers, including state corrections officers and probation-parole officers. The House killed that bill.

A way to stop aggressive cops?

Bill supporters argue that steroid abuse can trigger psychotic episodes and aggressive behavior. A police officer abusing steroids therefore poses a risk to the public. In light of recent highly publicized acts of police brutality, bill supporters argue this is a particularly timely issue.

Or an unnecessary expense?

Opponents counter that there is no evidence that steroid abuse is an issue in the New Hampshire state police, and that police brutality is not a frequent problem in the Granite State. The bill also does not appropriate any funds for the tests, so the state police would have to pay for the tests with funds already set aside for a different law enforcement purpose.

Is police brutality an issue in New Hampshire? Click here to visit our issue page.

Have your say!

Do you think New Hampshire should randomly test state police officers for steroid use? Let us know in the comments below.