Lawrence officials OK drug tests for new hires

Staff report

NEW CASTLE, Pa.

New employees of Lawrence County government will have to undergo drug testing, and current employees soon may be subjected to random drug tests, Lawrence County Commissioner Steve Craig announced Tuesday.

He said that previously, only employees at the county jail had to go undergo drug tests before being hired as well as unannounced drug testing. However, he said that the county’s labor attorney has recommended that the county start testing its new employees, which resulted in the new policy.

In addition, a proposed policy in the county’s upcoming employee handbook allows for random drug testing for county employees who are suspected of drug use. Craig said, however, that the handbook has not been finalized.

Lawrence County Human Resource Director Karen King said that the drug tests for prospective employees cost $120.