We have already covered several cases of steroid use among police officers in the country. However, the case of New Jersey police department is a little bit different. Most of their police force and firefighters were allegedly involved in the use of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing drugs. An investigation by a media outfit revealed the rampant use of police officers and firefighters in New Jersey which makes it a concern for the authorities. One of their sources of steroids is a New Jersey doctor who is being investigated for allegedly making fake diagnosis and illegal prescriptions.

In the report of the Star Ledger, they found out that that there are at least 248 officers and firefighters from 53 agencies who obtained anabolic steroids and other hormones through a Jersey City doctor, Joseph Colao. Though the doctor already died, these officers continue to purchase steroids and human growth hormones from other anti-aging clinics.

Lawmakers and other official in the state have already initiated investigation to look into the possible abuse of steroids by these police officers. It also enraged some government officials when they learned that these officers used the taxpayer’s money to pump up their body with muscle enhancing substances.

Cops Abusing Steroids

A special investigation unit was already created to look into this problem. Police officers and firefighters who will be found abusing these drugs and used the taxpayer-funded benefits may face criminal and civil charges. The New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow said in a statement that they are very thankful for these officers for their willingness to cooperate. She also thanked the police union for their support. “Not only are they looking at the violators who are using steroids improperly, they’re looking at the fraud, underlying fraud. We’ve brought in our fraud experts to talk about the payment scheme and whether these are payments that the new state of New Jersey should be assuming,” added Dow.

Steroid Testing for Cops

The controversy has sparked the need for mandatory steroid testing of NJ cops. Two of the largest police unions in NJ are open to this suggestion to help eradicate steroid use among police officers in the state. The random drug testing being implemented in New Jersey does not include anabolic steroids. The endorsements came from union presidents Anthony Wieners and Ed Brannigan. They represent more than 49,000 officers.

Wieners said in a statement that he personally feel the need for every officer to be tested for any substance like steroids or any medication. Weiner is the president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association with at least 33,000 members across the state. Brannigan, on the other hand, does not believe that steroid use is widespread in the law enforcement department. He said that they are confronting the issue and hoping that the union could be persuaded to help in putting up anti-steroid policy. Brannigan is the president of the state Fraternal Order of Police with 16,000 members.

Both union presidents ask for a representation in the on-going investigation to at least protect the civil rights of the police officers.

Jersey City Police- Highest User

The number of police officers and firefighters allegedly involved in the use of steroids and growth hormones came from 53 different agencies in the state. According to the Star Ledger, some came from small municipal departments to the state Department of Corrections and the State Police. It was also revealed that the Jersey City Police Department had the largest number of officers using steroids. They have filled prescriptions for various substances such as but not limited to testosterone and stanozolol.

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