Pubdate: Tue, 26 Apr 2005
Source: Pacific Daily News (US GU)
Copyright: 2005 Pacific Daily News
Contact: http://www.guampdn.com/customerservice/contactus.html
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Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1122
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)

SENSIBLE

Camacho's decision to put DOA in charge of drug testing can result in
positive changes

The decision by Gov. Felix Camacho to put the Department of
Administration in charge of the government of Guam's drug testing
program makes a lot of sense and, if done properly, will result in
positive change.

The governor's office is making the change to better enforce its
zero-tolerance drug policy. In a press release, Camacho emphasized the need
for a "united front against drug use in our schools and work place." The
announcement preceded yesterday's opening of the drug-free conference
"Mandatory Drug Testing Symposium: Do We Pass? Do We Fail?"

The Department of Administration also is charged with reviewing and
updating the government of Guam's drug-free workplace polices and
procedures, according to the release.

Right now agencies are supposed to conduct random drug testing of
employees on a regular basis. However, this hasn't always occurred
because some agency directors weren't required to have the testing
conducted if they could show that their agencies lacked the money to
perform the tests. With the Department of Administration coordinating
and ensuring payment for drug testing, all agencies will now be tested.

The centralization also will make it much easier to collect and track
government-wide statistics on the drug-testing program. These must be
disseminated to the public on a regular, open and transparent basis.
The people need to be informed of which agencies were tested and when,
the number of employees tested and the percentage of the agency that
number is, as well as any instances of failed drug tests. Being
completely transparent with this information lets the public see how
its taxpayer dollars are being spent.

It's also key that the Department of Administration conduct testing on
a legitimately randomized basis that further ensures all agencies are
tested. There can't be even the hint of politics in the process;
everything must be done aboveboard and on the level.

Kudos to the governor for recognizing the importance of a drug-testing
policy that works, and for taking steps to get it implemented.
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