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Rick Scott, Governor
Florida Department of Corrections, Secretary Michael D. Crews

Florida Department of Corrections
Michael D. Crews, Secretary

2007-2008 Annual Report first | previous | 10 of 82 | next
Drug Testing

Random Drug Testing

Random Drug Test Results in Accordance with (F.S. 944.473(1)) for FY 2007-08
Type of Test Valid Tests Negative Tests Positive Tests Positive Rate Drug Test Positive
Alcohol Cannabis Cocaine Opiates Other Total*
Random 66,319 65,112 1,207 1.8% 0 1,115 78 6 45 1,244
For Cause 5,981 4,877 1,104 18.5% 50 971 112 5 28 1,166
*Inmates can test positive for more than one drug.

The Inmate Drug Testing Unit 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 at random for 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. Drug testing has been recognized as highly effective in identifying offenders who have substance abuse problems, getting them into treatment, and monitoring them during the treatment process. The Office of the Inspector General conducts unannounced drug interdiction operations by searching employees, visitors, inmates, vehicles and areas on department grounds for contraband.

Youthful Offender (YO) Population
Current Location Court Ordered Youthful Offenders (F.S. 958.04(1)) Department Designated Youthful Offenders (F.S. 958.11(4)) Inmates with emotional/ physical vulnerability (F.S. 958.11(6)) Total Population
TOTAL 1,278 2,782 4 4,064

Section 958.04, F.S., authorizes the court to sentence as a youthful offender any person:

  • Who is at least 18 years of age or who has been transferred for prosecution to the criminal division of the circuit court pursuant to chapter 985;
  • Who is found guilty of or who has tendered, and the court has accepted, a plea of nolo contendere or guilty to a crime that is, under the laws of this state, a felony if the offender is younger than 21 years of age at the time sentence is imposed;
  • Who has not previously been classified as a youthful offender under the provisions of this act; and
  • Who has not been found guilty of a capital or life felony.

Section 958.11(4), F.S., authorizes the Department to classify as a youthful offender any person:

  • Who is at least 18 years of age or who has been transferred for prosecution to the criminal division of the circuit court pursuant to chapter 985;
  • Who has not previously been classified as a youthful offender under the provisions of this act;
  • Who has not been found guilty of a capital or life felony;
    • Whose age does not exceed 24 years; and
  • Whose total length of sentence does not exceed 10 years.

In addition to the above, s. 958.11(6), F.S., authorizes the Department to assign inmates 19 or younger (except capital or life felons) to youthful offender facilities if the Department determines that the inmate’s mental or physical vulnerability would substantially or materially jeopardize his or her safety in a non-youthful offender facility.

This section of the 2007-08 Annual Report is also provided as an Adobe Acrobat file. Acrobat Reader, a free program is required. Download the 1 page section (67K PDF file) for printing or viewing.
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