Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood has announced that deputies, and all employees, will be randomly drug tested starting next year.

At a news conference at Sheriff’s headquarters in Oildale, Youngblood said two unions agreed to the tests after a deputy was arrested last month on suspicion of being under the influence at work. Between 15 and 30 employees will be chosen twice a year for the program that’s administered by the county.

Kelli Pierce