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Should NH test law enforcement for steroid use?

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A bill currently being considered by the House Criminal Justice Committee, HB 1335, would require the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council to create a process for randomly testing police officers, corrections officers, and parole or probation officers for use of anabolic steroids or synthetic testosterone.

Supporters of the bill point out that the use of steroids or synthetic hormones has been linked to unduly aggressive behavior, spontaneous rage, or even psychotic episodes, and that use of such substances by law enforcement personnel could be linked to incidences of brutality.

Opponents counter that there is no evidence for high use of such substances by police or corrections personnel in New Hampshire, and that police brutality has not been a particular problem here. They note that drug testing would be an increased cost to the state and question whether such a policy is worthwhile.

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