AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - For the first time in the Texas prison system, most of its 41,000 corrections employees will be subject to random drug tests - including guards and parole officers.
Bryan Collier, deputy director of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, says the policy will be unveiled next week. It's designed to bolster security and curb contraband for the massive prison system.
Collier also says the policy is designed to raise staffing standards.
The Austin American-Statesman reports the correctional employees union, representing about 6,000 workers, resists the testing and suggests it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Prison officials say the costs are still being calculated.
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