NCJ Number
182017
Journal
CTM - Corrections Technology & Management Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2000 Pages: 30-32
Date Published
March 2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes two States’ drug testing procedures and their attempts to prevent substance abuse on the job.
Abstract
Random substance abuse testing has been a matter of prolonged contention between the United Public Workers Union and Hawaii prison personnel. Hawaii requires random drug testing of 1,145 corrections officers and supervisors and 459 civilian employees. Correctional employees are reportedly eager to have the random testing program in place because they consider those who are abusing or smuggling drugs a danger. In addition, inmates view supervisors, correctional officers and nurses known to be connected with substance abuse as sources of compromise. While both Hawaii and Idaho require negative drug testing results of applicants for correctional positions, Idaho does not have random drug testing of employees. Instead, the State has zero tolerance for employees who use illegal drugs. If an employee who has not voluntarily requested treatment for a self-acknowledged drug problem is suspected of substance abuse while on duty or is arrested by public authorities for possessing, manufacturing or distributing illegal substances with or without compensation, that person will be dismissed immediately.