NCJ Number
139870
Date Published
1992
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This guide describes occupational responses to and policy issues associated with drug and alcohol prevention in the work environment of probation and parole officers.
Abstract
About 10 percent of the general work force suffer from alcohol and other drug use to the extent that they are unable to perform their jobs. The cost to the business community ranges from $60 to $150 billion annually. Estimates show that about 23 percent of police officers have serious alcohol problems and that 10 percent have serious drug problems. A study of 1,300 lawyers indicates that 18 percent have symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependency and that 3 percent abuse drugs. Model drug and alcohol program descriptions demonstrate that such programming continually changes. Nonetheless, certain guidelines can be consistently applied in the workplace for probation and parole officers: (1) a leadership role in planning, developing, and implementing new programs should be taken by individuals who are already aware of the need for such programs; (2) all Federal and State regulations that affect programs should be reviewed; (3) a policy statement should be developed that identifies key program issues; and (4) an employee assistance unit should be created to deal with drug and alcohol problems. Policy issues related to employee drug and alcohol use concern the identification of prohibited behavior, employer options, drug testing, probable cause searches, general suspicion of drug use, and lack of suspicion. Because probation and parole officers are required to supervise clients who have been convicted of drug offenses, a drug testing program is essential to ensure that these officers are free of drugs. Appendixes contain Executive Order 12564 for a Drug-Free Federal Workplace, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and sample policy statements. 12 references