The Crux Blog: Test Cops for Steroids! /UPDATED w Petition Information

Officer Casebolt's excuse for his horrible behavior at the pool party incident in McKinney, Tx was that he had faced a great deal of stress on two previous calls regarding suicides.

(Click Here to Read the News Story)

Although such a situation would be stressful, that story doesn't make much sense.

Exactly what is it about trying to convince someone that life is worth living that would cause someone to soon pull a gun on unarmed teenagers?

As he was putting his knee on the back of a teenage girl's head, did he think to himself, "I just had a very stressful time trying to convince someone that life is precious, so I'm going to grind your face into the dirt?"

Who does that?

Do people who answer suicide prevention lines relieve their stress in such a manner?...Ever??

The stress involved in trying to prevent a suicide would be that of anxiety, not aggression! Suicide prevention would include trying to create a calm situation; not one of anger and aggression.

So what is it that might have caused such a seemingly unnatural aggressive reaction?

Such behavior could be symptomatic of steroid abuse. Although many would like to dismiss out of hand the possibility of police abusing any drug, the problem is wide spread enough that the DEA created a pamphlet entitled: "Steroid Abuse by Law Enforcement"

It describes the "possible psychological disturbances" that the taking of steroids produces (pg. 5):

*Impaired Judgement (stemming from feelings of invincibility)
*Depression
*Nervousness
*Delusions
*Mood Swings (including manic-like symptoms leading to violence)
*Extreme Irritability
*Hostility and Aggression

The last three, in particular, seem to be a close match in many of these cases of police acting aggressively.

Drug War Cost Could Go a Shockingly Long Way if Spent on Education

The pamphlet also describes the allure of steroids for police officers (pg. 2):

"Anabolic steroids are a drug of choice (for law enforcement officers) because they are known for increasing the size and strength of muscles more quickly and easily, and increasing one's endurance while performing physical activities. Some law enforcement personnel may believe that steroids provide them a physical and psychological advantage while preforming their jobs."

Anecdotally, one 26-year-old officer, wanting to be known only as "Jimmy" suggested that steroid use at his police department was around 1 in 4! (via MensHealth.com)

ALSO CONSIDER: We Need a 21st Century Currency

Police officers are supposed to be public servants. Those that take steroids are public nuisances (or worse!) The time has come to test law enforcement officials for steroids!

To those in law enforcement and their unions that may be disinclined to the idea of drug testing, I repeat to them what they've been saying to the general public for decades: "If you're not doing anything wrong, then you have nothing to worry about..."

Go pee in a cup.

If you'd like to tweet or Facebook this subject, use: #TestCops4Steroids

UPDATE 6/29/2015: IN Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Steroid Abuse

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Do You Agree that Cops Should be Tested for Steroids?
CLICK HERE to sign a petition at change.org

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