Assessment of Drug-Free Workplace Programs in State and Local Governments

• NCJ Number: 141181
• Author(s): R H Milkman; R Feldman; E McDevitt; N Landson
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 26 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; Lazar Institute; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Lazar Monograph No. 901

Annotation

A survey of all 50 States and 200 cities and counties shows drug testing to be widespread in the public sector workplace.

Abstract

Fifty-three percent of the jurisdictions surveyed report the operation of some form of applicant/employee drug testing program, and another 26 percent indicate the intent to establish a program within the next 12 months. Criminal justice agencies other than courts were more likely to be involved in drug testing than other entities. States, counties, and cities all were more likely to use enzyme than radio or fluorescence polarization immunoassays to conduct applicant/employee drug testing. Those employees who tested positive for drug use generally were given at least a second chance before being terminated. Almost three-fourths of jurisdictions offer and refer first-time abusers to employee assistance programs. The scarcity of public resources and the lack of information as to the impact of drug testing programs suggests the potential value of a cost-benefit analysis. 9 figures