Drug Testing
Random Drug Testing
| Random Drug Test Results in FY 2000-01 |
| |
Valid Tests |
Negative Tests |
Positive Tests |
Positive Rate |
Positive Test Results |
|---|
| Alcohol |
Cannabis |
Cocaine |
Opiates |
Other |
Total* |
|---|
|
Random | 60,869
| 60,208
| 661
| 1.09%
| 7
| 620
| 34
| 20
| 13
| 694
|
|
For Cause | 5,445
| 4772
| 673
| 12.36%
| 34
| 613
| 38
| 13
| 1
| 699
|
|
* Inmates can test positive for more than one drug.
|
As part of Secretary Moore's zero tolerance drug policy,
the Department's Inmate Drug Testing Unit was placed
under the Office of the Inspector General in October
2000. This Unit currently oversees the inmate random
drug testing program, substance abuse program drug testing
and "for cause" drug testing for all correctional facilities
statewide. Inmates are chosen for random and substance
abuse program drug testing based upon a random
computer-generated selection system. Selection of inmates
for "for cause" drug testing is based upon reasonable
suspicion of involvement with drugs or alcohol. Drug
testing enables the Department to detect and identify
inmates using illicit drugs, including abuse of prescription
drugs and/or alcohol. Furthermore, the role of drug
testing has been recognized as highly effective in identifying
those who have substance abuse problems, getting
them into treatment, and monitoring them during the
treatment process.
Also, in order to combat the introduction of illicit drugs
into correctional facilities, the IG's office currently conducts
unannounced drug interdiction operations, by
searching employees, visitors, inmates, vehicles and areas
on department grounds for contraband. In FY 2000-01,
the interdiction teams have confiscated over 20 gallons
of alcoholic beverages, approximately 291 grams of marijuana,
approximately 16 grams of cocaine, 11 firearms
(from personal vehicles) and $513 in currency. Furthermore,
interdiction operations have resulted in 48 arrests
and discipline of approximately 29 inmates and 15 employees.
