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WATERFORD - A police officer fired after testing positive for steroids has lost a bid to get his job back.
Brent Staiger, formerly with the Waterford police department, had argued he was the victim of “procedural violations” in the testing and reporting process. He also challenged the finding that he had taken steroids, arguing his body might have naturally produced his high level of testosterone.
According to Wednesday’s ruling, Staiger was declared unfit for duty after a November 2012 drug test indicated he had taken steroids.
The test found Staiger's urine sample had a 23.7-to-1 ratio between testosterone and epitestosterone. The normal level is 1-to-1 and the test's "generally accepted level" is about 6-to-1, the ruling said.
The ruling said an officer who monitored the drug test described Staiger as “extremely nervous” and “kind of agitated.” The monitor, Det. Leonard Thackston, also said Staiger asked why “he wasn’t given a heads up” about the random test.
Staiger’s testosterone level was described as “significantly higher” than the allowable level. He was suspended with intent to dismiss, then was terminated after a hearing in September 2013.
Louis Barbone, Staiger’s attorney, could not be reached for immediate comment.
As part of his appeal, Staiger said a medical expert should have considered the possible influence on his test result of more than 20 over-the-counter vitamins and supplements he took daily.
He also asserted three or four tests should have been administered.
The appellate court rejected that view, noting the Waterford police department’s policy was based on guidelines from the state Attorney General’s Office.
It said procedural violations had not affected the test’s results, and noted Staiger had not refuted testimony from an expert witness that it was “impossible” for a human body to produce naturally the results seen in Staiger’s urine sample.
It said the lower court judge had found “sufficient competent evidence supported the charges against the plaintiff” and that Staiger's dismissal “was not a shockingly unfair result.”
Cop loses badge over steroids test
Brent Staiger, formerly with the Waterford police department, had argued he was the victim of “procedural violations” in the testing and reporting process. He also challenged the finding that he had taken steroids, arguing his body might have naturally produced his high level of testosterone.
According to Wednesday’s ruling, Staiger was declared unfit for duty after a November 2012 drug test indicated he had taken steroids.
The test found Staiger's urine sample had a 23.7-to-1 ratio between testosterone and epitestosterone. The normal level is 1-to-1 and the test's "generally accepted level" is about 6-to-1, the ruling said.
The ruling said an officer who monitored the drug test described Staiger as “extremely nervous” and “kind of agitated.” The monitor, Det. Leonard Thackston, also said Staiger asked why “he wasn’t given a heads up” about the random test.
Staiger’s testosterone level was described as “significantly higher” than the allowable level. He was suspended with intent to dismiss, then was terminated after a hearing in September 2013.
Louis Barbone, Staiger’s attorney, could not be reached for immediate comment.
As part of his appeal, Staiger said a medical expert should have considered the possible influence on his test result of more than 20 over-the-counter vitamins and supplements he took daily.
He also asserted three or four tests should have been administered.
The appellate court rejected that view, noting the Waterford police department’s policy was based on guidelines from the state Attorney General’s Office.
It said procedural violations had not affected the test’s results, and noted Staiger had not refuted testimony from an expert witness that it was “impossible” for a human body to produce naturally the results seen in Staiger’s urine sample.
It said the lower court judge had found “sufficient competent evidence supported the charges against the plaintiff” and that Staiger's dismissal “was not a shockingly unfair result.”
Cop loses badge over steroids test
