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Corrections to start random drug tests of workers

The new procedure, which include steroid testing, aims to clean up the department's image.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published May 10, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - As part of an effort to restore the Corrections Department's image, Secretary Jim McDonough said Tuesday that the agency will begin random drug tests of employees, including testing for steroids, which figured in allegations of misconduct by prison workers.

McDonough said he doesn't think there is a widespread drug problem among prison employees and figured that only a few would test positive, but said it was all part of his effort to boost confidence in the agency and emphasize the professionalism of the majority of the workers.

"What we're imparting on here is a very bona fide effort to demonstrate the professionalism and capability of this department," said McDonough, who took over the agency in February when James Crosby resigned after a series of allegations involving misconduct by high-ranking employees and corrections officers.

Among the allegations were that a few employees were involved in a prison-based steroids distribution ring. At least nine people have been charged in connection with that investigation.

McDonough, the former head of drug control policy for Gov. Jeb Bush, said the policy wouldn't be punitive for those who test positive. They would undergo treatment but keep their jobs in the meantime. During the treatment, they would be moved out of duty that could be dangerous.

"I fully understand the nature of the disease of addiction," McDonough said. "I know it can be treated."

McDonough and 46 other top employees at the agency already took the drug test Monday.

The department already has the ability to order tests for some illegal drugs for employees when there is probable cause to believe they're taking them. And a bill passed during this year's legislative session that's awaiting Bush's signature would also allow suspicion-based steroid testing.

But the new policy allows for random testing of nearly any employee with an oral swab. If the worker were to test positive, it would lead to a second test to confirm the results.

After someone goes through treatment and returns to the work force, if he were to test positive again, he'd likely be fired, McDonough said.

The biggest union representing corrections and probation officers supports the plan.

"It's important that the citizens of Florida and our fellow officers have the complete confidence in the fact that we are performing our duties drug-free," said Jim Baiardi, vice president of the Florida Police Benevolent Association.

Two other unions representing health care workers in prisons also support the testing. Brian Dawe, executive director of Wyoming-based Corrections USA, a nonprofit advocacy group for corrections officers around the country, and McDonough agreed Florida is likely the first state in the nation to require random drug testing of all corrections employees.

"And its an absurd policy," Dawe said. "We don't check our constitutional rights when we punch the clock."

The testing, which will cost about $200,000 a year, will begin for all employees starting May 30, McDonough said. The tests will also screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, methamphetamine and other drugs.

The department also announced that starting July 1 it will begin adding drug-sniffing dogs and handlers to conduct random searches in the workplace.

[Last modified May 10, 2006, 01:07:05]