NCJ Number
154330
Journal
Public Personnel Management Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 391-397
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A survey of 300 public agency personnel directors was conducted to assess drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures, and 69.3 percent responded with information on their drug testing programs.
Abstract
Survey results indicated that 32 percent of respondents considered alcohol and other drug abuse among employees to be a serious problem; 26 percent did not, and 39 percent were not sure. Cities and counties were more likely than other levels of government to view alcohol and other drug abuse as a serious problem and to have drug testing policies in place. Of the respondents, 65 percent had substance abuse policies or were planning to adopt them; 35 percent had no substance abuse policies and were not considering them. Of the 67 public agencies that tested applicants for public safety positions, 63 percent were more likely to test applicants for these positions than for any other positions. Public agencies with drug testing policies in place were more likely to deny employment to applicants who refused to be tested. Of public agencies testing employees, 91 percent verified positive results on the initial test with a second test before taking disciplinary action. Public agencies with drug testing policies in place, or those planning to adopt them, were not more likely to protect applicant rights by informing them in advance that they would be tested. Most public agencies had a program to provide employees with substance abuse counseling and medical assistance. The important role played by personnel directors in employee drug abuse prevention is emphasized. 7 notes and 2 tables