DOC to randomly test workers for steroids, other drugs, By: David Royse
May 9, 2006
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - As part of an effort to restore the Department of Corrections' 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 hastened to say that he doesn't think there is a widespread drug problem among prison employees and figured that only a tiny 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 an agency under a leadership cloud in February when former Secretary James Crosby resigned after a series of allegations involving misconduct by high-ranking agency 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 new 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 leadership 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 them to conduct 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 they were to test positive again, they'd likely be fired, McDonough said.
The biggest union representing corrections and probation officers supports the plan.
"As professional law enforcement officers, 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.
Baiardi said he would bet that one half of one percent of corrections employees or fewer would test positive for some illegal drug.
Two other unions representing health care workers in prisons also support the testing. Another union which represents some Corrections employees, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, however, has not come out in support of the plan.
AFSCME, which represents more than 2,000 clerical, administrative, maintenance and other agency employees, is reviewing the policy and plans to meet with department officials to discuss it, said AFSCME spokesman Doug Martin.
McDonough said he thought Florida would be among the first in the nation to require random screening for a number of illegal drugs and steroids for prison system workers.
Brian Dawe, executive director of Wyoming-based Corrections USA, a non-profit advocacy group for corrections officers around the country, agreed that 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."
Dawe said his organization doesn't disapprove of drug testing when there's reasonable suspicion to test an employee, but that subjecting all employees to it does the opposite of what McDonough intends, implying that all employees can't be trusted.
The testing, which will cost the agency about $200,000 a year, will begin for all employees starting May 30, McDonough said.
In addition to steroids, the tests will also screen for the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamine, methamphetamine, among other drugs.
The department also announced that starting July 1 it will add begin adding drug-sniffing dogs and handlers to conduct random searches in the workplace. The sniffer dogs will conduct unannounced searches of work and vehicle areas.
