Substance Abuse Policy Adaptation in Florida Municipal Government

Abstract

Drug abuse is one of America's major public policy concerns. Problems associated with drug and alcohol abuse have not escaped America's workforce. Public sector human resource managers, like their counterpart in private industry, are faced with the challenge of developing policies that protect the interests of their organization while preserving the rights of those they employ or seek to consider for employment. This article examines emerging substance abuse policy in Florida municipal governments. A model of substance abuse policy development is presented and then assessed based on data collected in 1988 and 1990. The research indicates that Florida cities are progressing beyond the application of drug testing towards rehabilitative intervention and educational awareness initiatives.