6 Phoenix employees tested positive for steroids

Phoenix was the first major city to randomly test its police officers and firefighters for anabolic steroids. Since 2006, five Phoenix police officers and one firefighter recruit have tested positive for anabolic steroids, officials said.

"That doesn't necessarily reflect that it's not catching them, and it doesn't necessarily reflect that it's catching a few," said Cmdr. Kim Humphrey, who oversees the Phoenix Police Department's professional standards bureau. "It's just reflective of how many positive tests we've had."

The policy was developed as the city police and fire departments recognized a rising concern about public safety first-responders using the illegal drug to get stronger faster.

When testosterone levels indicate recent steroid use, discipline ranges from suspension to possible termination based on the circumstances.

Some officers resigned when asked for urine samples, making it difficult to accurately determine the full scope of steroid use at city departments.

Humphrey said the test isn't designed to catch violators. "It's designed to be a deterrent," Humphrey said. "It's not like in a sport where you just say, 'You can't play anymore.' This is a career. It's their job."

Few major metro agencies randomly test their first-responders for drugs beyond the scope of heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs.

Metro police departments such as Dallas and Albuquerque, for example, added random steroid tests after Phoenix established its policy.

Phoenix police randomly tests its recruits and sworn officers for steroids. But since July 2007, Phoenix fire has limited random tests to pre-hire recruits.

Phoenix Fire Assistant Chief Mark Angle said the department's leaders felt there was little to indicate a need to randomly test current firefighters for steroids.