Florida DOC to Institute Random Drug Testing

TALAHASSEE, Fla. — Following a steroid-distribution scandal that resulted in the arrest of nine prison employees, the Florida Department of Corrections announced an aggressive campaign to root out drug use among prison workers that includes random drug testing and drug-sniffing dogs.

The employee drug-testing program is expected to cost $200,000 a year and allows for random testing of any agency employee. Officials estimate that more than 98 percent of the agency’s workers will be tested under the program.

In a memo issued to the department’s 26,000 employees, Corrections Secretary James McDonough stated that he would be the first to take the test, followed by senior managers and assistant bureau chiefs.

“This is a groundbreaking program, and, to my knowledge, is the first of its kind in the country,” McDonough says.

The test, consisting of an oral swab, screens for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, methamphetamines, amphetamines and other drugs. If a test result comes back positive, the employee in question will report to a laboratory for further testing to confirm the results.

The program will not be punitive for an employee who tests positive and will only be used for prevention and detection, according to reports. Employees who test positive may return to work if they enter and comply with treatment. However, an employee may be discharged if, upon going through treatment, he or she tests positive a second time.

The program is part of an ongoing effort to ensure a drug-free workplace and restore the agency’s image. At least nine department employees were charged in connection to the steroid distribution ring, including former correctional officer Marcus Hodges, who was sentenced in March to 2 1/2 years in prison. Three other former officers were indicted in February 2005.

Department officials are hopeful that the testing will boost public confidence and reassure Florida’s citizens that the concept of a drug-free workplace is taken seriously by correctional and probation officers.

“What we’re imparting on here is a very bona fide effort to demonstrate the professionalism and capability of this department,” McDonough says.

In addition to random employee drug testing, department officials announced that as of July canine drug-detection teams will conduct random searches at facilities for deterrence and eradication.