Steroid Scandal Within Sand Springs PD

A Green Country police department is charged with illegal steroid use. The Sand Springs Police Department has launched an internal investigation after rumors surfaced of steroid use by several officers. The News on 6's Chris Wright reports because the steroid investigation is ongoing, police won't say how many people are involved. But, police say one officer has already been suspended, and more could face serious disciplinary action.

"We won't tolerate that, steroids are illegal," said Chief Daniel Bradley with the Sand Springs Police Department.

Chief Bradley says a member of the force recently told him he had overheard other officers talking about steroid use. As a result, an investigation was launched. Those officers were questioned and the department is now waiting for drug test results.

Sand Springs police say they've never had a problem with steroid use in the department. If these officers are found to have used steroids, Chief Bradley says there will be serious consequences.

"A police department, they are challenged and have to police themselves. They have to maintain integrity in the department," said Chief Bradley.

Over at Oklahoma University, Tulsa Family Medicine Center, Sports Medicine specialist Dr. Steve Huang says illegal steroid use outside of athletics is rare. Dr. Huang says the side effects that come with steroid use, particularly increased aggressiveness and rage, are always dangerous.

"The effect of anabolic steroid use is pretty much the same no matter what profession you're in," said Dr. Huang.

Chief Bradley says the steroid investigation has been difficult for his tight-knit department, but says it's necessary. Chief Bradley says the officers involved have been very forthcoming during the investigation. The department does test all of its officers for drugs when they join the force. But, Chief Bradley says that test does not include screening for steroid use.