TESTING SHOWS DRUG USE DOWN IN STATE PRISONS

Drug use in Ohio prisons reached a new low this fall with fewer than
one of 100 inmates testing positive for amphetamines, marijuana,
cocaine and other illicit substances.

The 0.88 percent positive rate -- the lowest since the department
began drug testing in 1990 -- still means, statistically, that nearly
400 of the 44,800 prisoners statewide are using drugs at any point in
time.

The positive rate was 1.86 percent last year.

The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction adopted a "zero
tolerance'' drug policy five years ago and began cracking down on
drugs being smuggled into prisons. Several arrests were made,
including some corrections officers. The number of positive tests
began dropping.

In addition to traditional drug-search methods, state prisons use
high-tech methods such as ion scanners to sweep clothing, car-door
handles, lunch boxes and other personal items to detect microscopic
traces of drugs.

"The department maintains that any positive drug test is
unacceptable,'' said Ohio prisons chief Reginald A. Wilkinson. He
said he is pleased with the lower rate, but hopes to see declines in
positive tests in the future.

The state tests about 20 percent of all prisoners in October each
year. Last month, 9,540 inmates were tested, with 84 positive for
amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana and opiates.
Marijuana use was by far the most prevalent. The agency also does
random monthly testing of 5 percent of all prisoners.

The highest positive rate for the October testing in the past decade
was 6.9 percent in 1990. The rate was 2.94 percent in 1997, 1.3
percent in 1998 and 1.7 percent in 1999.

Inmates who test positive face a number of penalities, including
separation from the general prison population, wearing brightly
colored uniforms showing their status as a drug offender, and
participating in mandatory drug treatment.