NCJ Number
118028
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 51 Issue: 3 Dated: (June 1989) Pages: 96-97
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
Random urinalysis of prison inmates in Wisconsin has reduced the demand for illicit drugs and has thereby created safer institutions with environments that are more conducive to positive learning and programming.
Abstract
The drug testing program began in 1984 after the Wisconsin Bureau of Corrections conducted inmate searches that confirmed suspicions of widespread inmate drug use. The program contrasted with the traditional approaches of interdiction and enforcement, which tries to reduce the supply of drugs. Testing of an initial random sample of 640 of the 4,800 inmates produced a 26.9 percent rate of positive tests, with marijuana the major drug detected. Positive samples were also found for opiates, cocaine, methadone, amphetamines, propoxyphene, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. After establishing this baseline information, weekly random urinalysis began at each institution. Inmates were notified 30 days in advance and told that they were expected to be free of drugs. Positive results were handled through progressive discipline, starting with confronting the inmate and retesting in 3 weeks and further sanctions upon further positive tests. The rate of positive tests has gradually declined to an average of 9.2 percent. A later followup showed an overall rate of 5 percent, including 6.5 percent for maximum and medium security institutions and 3.4 percent in minimum security facilities. The recent monthly percentages of positive tests have varied between 2 and 4 percent. Photographs.