I-Team: Why no drug test for new Cleveland safety official?
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found a new safety official in Cleveland did not have to take a drug test or a physical. So, we investigated why.
We uncovered an internal email sent as the city hired a new administrator in the Department of Public Safety, Special Assistant Phillip McHugh.
The email said, “Yes, no drug screen and no physical are necessary for his position.”
The job is a position at the top levels of city hall overseeing police, fire and EMS.
That memo saying no drug test or physical was needed stunned Councilman Richard Starr.
“Someone who’s involved in handling safety, advising the safety director, don’t have to take no drug test?” he said. “Why does an individual in senior leadership get a privilege, special privilege, that you don’t give to those on the ground doing the work?”
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In fact, we surprised the head of the police union. Andy Gasiewski told us this kind of testing just came up with the hiring of new officers.
“When they were doing the process for the recent academy, some of the individuals had to be taken out of the process because they didn’t have the medical side or the testing done,” he said.
We reached out to the mayor’s office asking why the new safety advisor did not have to undergo a physical or take a drug test.
In an email, the mayor’s office said that testing is not required for that particular job. The city changed its policy in December, telling us that was done based on state and federal law.
A spokesperson added that McHugh did have to go through a background check, and,
“Mr. McHugh was identified as the most qualified candidate for the role.”
Still, the councilman has more questions.
“Just because you’re in senior leadership, or in the cabinet, does not mean you’re better or you should be able to get special privileges,” Richard Starr said.
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Starr has also raised concerns about McHugh’s background. Years ago, while working in Washington, DC, he was the target of a civil rights lawsuit.
The mayor’s office statement also said, in part:
“Mr. McHugh has dedicated his life to public service. His resume reflects continuous advancement, and he has received several commendations, honors and awards throughout his career including as Officer of the Year, two United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Awards for Public Service, and a Life Saving Award for his successful negotiation with and physical rescue of a suicidal child from a freeway overpass.
“The administration is aware that Mr. McHugh was a party in a lawsuit stemming from a criminal investigation he conducted in conjunction with the United States Attorney’s Office nearly ten years ago in Washington, DC. All claims made against Mr. McHugh were dismissed with prejudice prior to the disposition of the matter and there was no finding of wrongdoing by the court or Mr. McHugh’s former employer. Throughout his career, there has never been a sustained finding related to Mr. McHugh’s bias or integrity.”
The statement included a quote from Interim Chief Director of Public Safety Wayne Drummond.
“I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to improve public safety across the city,” he said.
Councilman Starr said he wants the city council to hold a hearing on this hiring and the city policies.
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