DDRP ensures drug-testing integrity

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sandra Marrero
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Drug Demand Reduction Program is a Department of Defense initiative dedicated to detecting and preventing drug use in its personnel at the installation level.
 
Since consequences for illegal drug use can be serious, Moody's DDRP takes great measures to protect the integrity of the drug-testing process, said Charles Boyd, DDRP administrative manager.

Five days a week, Moody Airmen are randomly selected by a computer-based system to test for both prescription and illegal drugs. The Airmen report to the DDRP office to provide a urine sample that is sent the Headquarters Air Force Drug Testing Laboratory at Lackland Air Force Base for analysis.

If the results come back positive for prescription drugs, the Airman's medical records are reviewed to ensure there is a current prescription for the medication. If it turns out that there isn't one or the Airman tests positive for an illegal substance, the DDRP steps in.

It is the responsibility of DDRP personnel to notify the individual's unit commander and first sergeant, the Air Force Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Treatment program, the Office of Special Investigations and Military Justice section of Moody's legal office.

"If something goes wrong, a person's livelihood could be affected," said Boyd. "Everything we do here is double-checked. My boss will come by and ... check to make sure it's correct before we send it out to the lab for testing."

Boyd must strictly follow the testing standard for every sample provided.

"To me, the only challenge I feel that we have is that it's repetitious. We've got to make sure that we follow directions to the tee," said Boyd.

The DDRP takes another step to maintain testing integrity. It uses the help of observers, NCOs who are appointed and qualified, to oversee each step of the process, acting as a witness to its reliability. They must exhibit integrity, and have nothing in their records that would put it in question, said Boyd.

Observers are present from the moment an Airman signs in until the he or she is ready to exit the building. They can confirm the correct Airman provided the sample, that the sample was not tampered with and that procedures were followed according their training.
 
"I think it's important because we help maintain the integrity of this system," said Staff. Sgt. Gwendolyn Parks, a DDRP observer. "I think if you don't have someone like us to go in there and help to make sure everything goes according to how they train us, then the system wouldn't be a success."

Enforcing the Air Force's zero-tolerance policy on drug-abuse is a task that Moody's DDRP takes seriously. From standardizing the testing process, to utilizing observers and randomization, the program and its employees make certain to keep the drug-testing process fair and accurate for all Airmen, ensuring its success.