Comparing city policies on mandatory drug testing: A process evaluation

Abstract

Presidential decree and federal legislation have resulted in substantial employee drug testing at all levels of government as well as among private sector contractors. Joining the War on Drugs, many other employers have taken up the practice voluntarily. However we may feel about the arguments for and against drug testing — whether on the basis of public safety, integrity, access to sensitive information, etc. — the fact remains that drug testing policies are non-uniform and unevenly applied, and the common testing technologies are unreliable. If we believe as a society that drug testing serves a legitimate public function consistent with our cultural and legal values, then uniform standards and procedures must be developed. If not, we should give greater consideration to alternative measures, such as employee education and assistance.