NCJ Number
112824
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Actions taken by prison systems to deal with drug use by correctional staff, job applicants, or both were examined by means of a survey of all 50 State correctional systems and the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Abstract
Responses came from 48 States and the Bureau. The Bureau of Prisons and less than half the States reported testing employees or job applicants for drugs. Most testing programs began within the last 4 years. Most agencies began drug testing because of problems with contraband, work performance, or both, and in response to public concerns about drug abuse in general. Few agencies have written policies and procedures for drug testing programs. Many systems require a second test when the first test proves positive, because false positives often occurred on the first test. Most respondents do not consider drug abuse among staff members to be a major problem. Few grievances or lawsuits have resulted from drug testing to date. In the 15 States with unions, 7 unions have taken no stand, 1 union has supported drug testing, and 7 have opposed it. Map, figure, tables, description of the program at the Georgia State Prison, and 3 notes.