Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
NEWS RELEASE
(Columbus) – The Ohio Department of
Rehabilitation (DRC) is releasing its annual statistically correct drug testing
results, which are documented at a record low of 0.88% positive.
Each year DRC conducts saturation drug testing among approximately 20% of
the entire inmate population. This
form of testing provides a statistically valid representation of all of Ohio’s
inmates.
This
year 9,540 of the 44,800 inmates were tested at each of Ohio’s thirty-four
institutions. Among the 9,540
tested, only 84 tested positive for one of the following substances:
amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana and opiates.
The
saturation testing process began in 1990 and is conducted every October.
In 2000 1.86% of the saturation tests were positive. Every inmate that provides a positive test result must
encounter a series of sanctions. These
sanctions include the inmate being separated from general population, wearing
brightly colored uniforms indicating that they have been positively identified
for substance abuse, and participating in mandatory drug treatment programming.
“In
1996 DRC implemented a drug interdiction program of zero tolerance.
At that point we had an unacceptably high level of positive drug tests
among the inmate population,” stated Director Reginald Wilkinson.
“I am very pleased that our programs and security processes are
effective in helping us to attain such a low positive percentage this month, and
I hope to see a decline in this number with future testing.”
In addition to the annual saturation testing, DRC also conducts random
monthly testing on 5% of the inmate population.
The Department maintains that any positive drug test is unacceptable.
DRC will continue to strive for zero tolerance of drug conveyance and use
in its prisons.
For
more information please contact the DRC Public Information Office at (614)
752-1150.