UPDATE: August 25, 2020 - A Racket of Extortion on the Poor - The War on Drugs - Drug Testing in the Community - Not Certified, But Have Flashy Elvis Costumes - February 9, 2016

Drug Testing Management Program Face Book photo (Fair-use for nonprofit news reporting and commentary)

Drug Testing Program Management, DTPM in "The Louisiana Drug Court Show," a continuation of "The Family and Associates story."

**Regarding Drug abuse treatment - It will take a joint effort by citizens to change the way business is accomplished within our government regarding drug abuse. Allowing attorneys, corrections, and the courts to make primary decisions regarding treatment of disease, instead of physicians, is a serious error of judgement.**

Drug Testing Program Management, DTPM, is connected with Jackson Community Corrections and Court Referral (associated with Jackson County Courts, the State of Alabama's Office of Courts and Alabama Department Corrections). 

Their owner and at least one of their executive staff are board members of the Jackson County Court Referral and Community Corrections organization. A NON-accountable corporate courts' organization in Jackson County. But lets not confuse issues of making money with issues of helping people with substance abuse problems, maximum sarcasm intended.

Fair use for non profit news reporting, unknown source.

DTPM is also associated with Family Life Center, another non-profit organization where the Director is the owner of DTPM and property owner of the buildings.  https://www.facebook.com/Drug.Testing.Program.Management/

The FB photo, The Louisiana Drug Court "really big shoe;" demonstrates their profit motivations, a Louisiana Drug Court Show - oh boy and here we have the really big "shoe" lets hear it for DRUG COURT and their sundry of players - "substance abusers, we will bleed'em dry of money, or jail them if they have no money," court referral, community corrections, corporate courts and politicians who don't give a damn. 

Court Referral and Community Corrections - "...just like the First Baptist Church..." says their attorney, as an excuse for not being accountable for public funds, protocols, number of successes vs failures and procedures.

DTPM does not meet the requirements of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, SAMHSA, for a certified drug testing facility. Nor do they meet the Code of Alabama (COA) requirements for employee drug testing, COA - 25-5-335. But, that does not stop their Elvis impersonations, or sending off confirmations with no seal/no double sample testing methodology, or greater than 5 day old samples. Can you say, improper chain of custody? I hope their Elvis impersonations, flashy costumes, are better than their drug testing charade.  http://www.samhsa.gov/workplace/resources/drug-testing/certified-lab-list

UPDATE - August 25, 2020 - More info on testing protocol and certification requirements in Alabama. More evidence of a racket of extortion on the poor, but benefiting corporate entities and their owners, NOT PEOPLE.
Clinical Laboratories in Alabama which test human bodily fluid specimens have certification requirements. These requirements are outlined in the Alabama Department of Public Health Rules (ADPH), Chapter 420-5-8, and is administrative law in Alabama. The requirements became health law in November 1975 and have been updated many times, with the last update July 2014. Link: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/providerstandards/assets/ICLIPL714.pdf My inquiries reveal DTPM does not meet the requirements of a clinical laboratory testing human bodily fluid specimens FYI -. These issues have recently came to light as DTPM is testing for Covid-19 per contract from Highlands Medical Center, Jackson County Health Care Authority. This was discovered after interviews with Highlands Medical Center laboratory staff.

Quote from the ADPH : ". . . Independent clinical laboratories and health care institutions engaged in offering diagnostic services to be licensed by the Alabama State Board of Health, the State Board of Health does hereby adopt and promulgate the following Rules governing all independent clinical laboratories and all independent physiological laboratories and other related institutions in Alabama, except those operated under the supervision of the Department of Mental Health. . ." Drug testing falls under the Department of Mental Health who are not qualified, not properly funded, nor able to properly certify actual clinical laboratories, however they do so anyways. This exemption points to a high level of corruption initiated politically for financial gain of those profiting from the medical conditions of substance abusers. In my opinion, to exempt these clinical laboratories from certification requirements of the ADPH, due to their performing drug tests, is unprofessional, facilitates malpractice and is indicative of a corporate fascist culture supporting money before the health of human beings. The care of patients suffering from substance abuse must involve medical treatment instead of fostering a culture of money before human health. That is not saying courts should not be involved due to criminal behavior, I am saying that the medical condition of substance abusers must be placed before a corporate justice and prison system to insure a person who has a drug problem receives the necessary treatment and returns to society to be a productive member of the community.

Will the Drug Testing Lab Exemptions change October 1, 2020? Or will corporate fascism continue?  Quote from ADPH: "CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) Effective October 1, 2020"

"Any clinical laboratory that meets the definition of an Independent Clinical Laboratory (ICL), including those that perform waived testing only, will be required to obtain the state license for laboratories and follow the rules set forth by the Alabama State Board of Health. The application and fee requirements can be found on this website".

"All clinical laboratories that perform testing on human specimens for diagnosis, treatment, or preventive medicine are required to obtain and maintain a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certificate. . ."  Link: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/providerstandards/clia.html 

Will the needed change occur, will labs be required to be certified by the Alabama Department of Health to insure accuracy of testing??

The "war on drugs" is about money, not people's health. Money to support a non-accountable drug court system, attorneys, court referral entities with a continuous stream of offenders - regardless of accuracy or truthfulness of test results; money to support the corporate court system and the skulduggery it brings as demonstrated by the below photos.

Photo from Face Book DTPM site - Who keeps the corporate judiciary and non-certified drug testing labs in line? (fair-use for non-profit news reporting and commentary)

DTPM Christmas party - celebrating from others misery from the pockets of the poor! Enjoy your fun and frivolity DTPM on the misery of those suffering from substance abuse. Feel the message, or do you give a damn? (fair use for non-profit news reporting and commentary)

Mississippi Drug Court Show DTPM Face Book site. (Fair use for non profit news reporting.) What, no flashy costumes at this Drug Court Show?

The War on Drugs Cost - It is about the money, not ending the problem of substance abuse. Facts demonstrate the war on drugs has killed more people than drugs and resulted in an increase in organized crime. Some local law enforcement, current and retired, have stated that the Community Corrections-Court Referral-Drug Testing-Pseudo Out Patient care scam is organized crime. These programs are not about resolving the problem of substance abuse, the "War on Drugs" is about making money.

Fair use for non profit news reporting, unknown source.

Drug Distribution in the U.S. - DEA Intelligence Report

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-07/dir06515.pdf

Jackson County Commission Work Session - Citizen Input on Drug Testing Program - Commendable Transparency From Commissioner Ledwell, January 4, 2016

Jackson County Commission in session, Court House Board Room. (Photo by G. Morgan)

AGENDA

VIDEO

Memorandum for the Jackson County Commission Regarding Employee Drug Testing
                              (click on image for an expanded view)

Excerpts from the Code of Alabama, 25-5-335 regarding employee drug testing.

(click on image for an expanded view)

Conclusion: Jackson County's Employee Drug Testing Program does not meet the requirement of the Code of Alabama as stipulated in 25-5-335

Commendable Transparency from Jackson County District 4 Commissioner Stacey Ledwell.

***** 

UPDATE: Jan 5, 2015 - I had received a call from a local concerned citizen about a County Commissioner, Mr. Stacey Ledwell, who is also a business owner, Mr. Rooter, a local plumbing service. Mr. Ledwell had sold a backhoe to the Cumberland Mountain Water Authority via a sealed bid process. 

I had discussed the concern with Mr. Ledwell last week and he assured me everything was accomplished in accordance with the law. Yesterday, prior to the County Commission meeting, Mr. Ledwell provided me with his bid submission document, attached below, and an Attorney General's Opinion regarding The Cumberland Mountain Water Authority's opening a bidding process for a backhoe. Alabama AG's Opinion 2016-09 Link: http://www.ago.state.al.us/opinions/pdf/2016-009.pdf

The invitation for bid was published in the November 25th 2015 edition of the Daily Sentinel on page 9 as an Invitation by The Cumberland Mountain Water Authority - "Taking Sealed Bids." Mr. Ledwell's bid entered via the sealed bid process, as indicated, was $42,000.00 which was the low bid which met bidding specifications.

Commissioner Ledwell's transparency about this issue is commendable and is appreciated that he provided the documents which demonstrates his concern for doing what is right regarding open, transparent government. I do not think there is any conflict of interest as the Cumberland Mountain Water Authority is a separate corporate entity of Jackson County who has a separate Board of Directors managing the affairs of the water authority.

Click on image for an expanded view.

Jackson County Commission Regular Session December 14, 2015 - More on Jackson County Community Corrections and Court Referral

Jackson County Courthouse South Side - photo by G. Morgan

More on the continuing issue of the Jackson County Community Corrections and Court Referral, video and significant violations of policies, conflicts of interest and evidence of Failed Quality Assurances Programs regarding Community Corrections and Court Referral drug testing protocols and documents submitted to the District Attorney for a Motion before the Jackson County Courts. 

Policy Regarding Drug Testing

Documents acquired via County Commission Documents Request previously refused by Community Corrections and Court Referral.

This policy indicates that the testing may be challenged by requesting a confirmation test be performed if the client/defendant requests the test. This would mean that the agency would have to notify the client/defendant if there was a positive test. There are instances where one or more client(s)/defendant(s) were never notified of a positive test or given the opportunity to challenge erroneous information which resulted in cancellation of probation after a months worth of Amended Motions and errors. Errors which were based on erroneous entries or false information as stated on motion documents before the court. This also demonstrates a failed Quality Assurance Program to insure there are no erroneous tests, scheduling errors, or violations of policies-standards and protocols resulting in problematic/erroneous court document entries.

Policy Regarding Conflicts of Interest

( Expand viewing -  click on the image.)

This policy states, "...agents representing the Board will have no financial interest direct or indirect which would conflict with services to the Board..." The Executive Director receives lease payments on the Community Corrections property which he owns, he benefits from his position as property owner as the Executive Director of the non-profit corporation. At least two Board member's profit from their vote or participation in decision making on the Board as they are executives and/or owner in the drug testing company and counseling service non profit organization. 

Reference previous articles on this blog in reference to Jackson County Community Corrections and Court referral:  http://arklite.blogspot.com/search/label/Jackson%20County%20Community%20Corrections%20and%20Court%20Referral

Update, December 16, 2015 - Threats on Face Book from Community Corrections and Court Referral Staff

This is a copy of Face Book postings from their organizational page which appears to violate their personnel policy.Threats from the Jackson County Community Corrections and Court Referral Face Book site on December 15, 2015. Link - https://www.facebook.com/JacksonCountyCourtReferralAndCommunityCorrections/info/?tab=overview

 Court Referral - Community Corrections, quote: December 15, 2015, 23 comments - "Jackson County Court Referral and Community Corrections Also. This is my page. I made this page for the convenience of my clients so that they would not have to call the number and getting a busy signal. If it becomes a page of a lot of negative comments, I will shut it down. Thank you." This may be described as misconduct, per their personnel handbook guidelines as it brings discredit on the organization. 

Another violation of their policy, referring to the video regarding - Jackson County Court Referral and Community Corrections at this link - http://arklite.blogspot.com/2015/12/jackson-county-commission-regular.html  Quote - from an official of the Jackson County Court Referral and Community Corrections - "Lol. Is that video all you've got. A video from a guy that doesn't know what he's talking about. Good luck. " (referring to me and the enclosed video)  Page 5 paragraph 1b in the Jackson County Community Corrections and Court Referral Inc. Handbook will cover this employees misconduct, "refraining from offensive and undesirable conduct which is not in the best interests of the organization."

My Face Book site home page where I discuss this issue. - https://www.facebook.com/garry.l.morgan.5

VIDEO of Presentation to County Commission about

 Community Corrections and Court Referral presented to the commission on December 14, 2015

                                    Commission AGENDA

VIDEO of Full Commission Meeting

Like A Cancer, The War on Drugs Is Killing Our Nation's Values - A Local, State and National Failure

Sometimes it is hard to determine who suffers more from delusions, the drug abuser, politicians,  judges or the growing corporate corrections and court referral system. Citizens suffer from our government's abject failure from the war on drugs. This expose will address a growing cancer all across our nation - the cancer of substance abuse and the failure of the war on drugs on multiple levels in our government and our culture.

Fair Use Rights for non-profit news reporting - courtesy of the Matador Network.

Cancer comes in three forms, physical/medical cancer affecting the human body's organs due to cellular mutations; cultural cancer- racism, religious wars, religious persecution and drug abuse are forms of cultural cancers; societal cancer - some say our courts are turning into a societal cancer, declining family values and a lack of fathers and mothers as a family unit, and drug abuse, including the war on drugs.

Here I'll discuss and provide information on the later of the two cancers, cultural and societal as it pertains to drug abuse and the war on drugs failure. I welcome any comments which dispute that the war on drugs is not a failure locally, state wide and nationally.

Many of us have seen the debilitating effects on the individual, family, friends and community when people abuse drugs and alcohol. In many ways substance abuse is far more deadly than the physiological form of the disease we generally call cancer because the cancer of substance abuse has another symptom attached to it, it is called denial. The psychological damage is just as great as the physical damage. This form of cancer many times is much harder to treat because it becomes hidden in friends, family and even in the individual because the individual denies and manipulates others around them in parasitic relationships. As the drug abuse progresses, individuals become psychotic, and this is a sure sign the disease has a grip on the individual and their better senses.

Often the individual cries out for help in many different ways, sometimes those too close will not react or isolate themselves from the individual exhibiting this disease. A true friend will help and also demonstrate tough love and attempt to convince their friend that they need help. 

The other and third type of cancer is cancers of our culture, community, societal cancers so to speak. Leading that list there are several forms of the illness which manifests itself into our society, greed is one where the quest for money overcomes our sense of values; destruction of our environment is another - often greed is associated with that. But, our old foe of substance abuse is right up there with greed and environmental destruction wreaking havoc on our communities.

Our government attempts to wage battles against this common foe, unfortunately that is unsuccessful because of greed and the tendency in our government to disregard individual needs. Individual needs are replaced with the needs of the corporation. We see this locally, state wide and nationally in drug and correction programs. It is seen on a broader scale with spending in the defense industrial complex, billions - trillions spent on the war on drugs failure, all the while ignoring the individual’s need for comprehensive medical treatment.  Think about how far a trillion dollars, or even 50 billion dollars would go regarding individual drug abuse treatment.

The goal of the war on drugs is not about curing the individual problem of substance abuse, the war on drugs is to support corporations and individuals connected with courts and prisons instead of actually treating medically each and every individual infected with this insidious, cancerous disease of addiction called substance abuse. Until there is a change in attitude and a redirection of government policy the problem will grow and our courts and those who think they are resolving the problem will continue on their, and the drug abusers, road of delusion at a cost of hundreds of thousands of lives and hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer money.

Web articles on the subject (Fair use rights for non-profit news reporting and education about drug abuse.)
AP, via FOX News - Using Freedom of Information Act requests, archival records, federal budgets and dozens of interviews with leaders and analysts, the AP tracked where that money went, and found that the United States repeatedly increased budgets for programs that did little to stop the flow of drugs. In 40 years, taxpayers spent more than:

— $20 billion to fight the drug gangs in their home countries. In Colombia, for example, the United States spent more than $6 billion, while coca cultivation increased and trafficking moved to Mexico — and the violence along with it.

— $33 billion in marketing "Just Say No"-style messages to America's youth and other prevention programs. High school students report the same rates of illegal drug use as they did in 1970, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says drug overdoses have "risen steadily" since the early 1970s to more than 20,000 last year.

— $49 billion for law enforcement along America's borders to cut off the flow of illegal drugs. This year, 25 million Americans will snort, swallow, inject and smoke illicit drugs, about 10 million more than in 1970, with the bulk of those drugs imported from Mexico.

— $121 billion to arrest more than 37 million nonviolent drug offenders, about 10 million of them for possession of marijuana. Studies show that jail time tends to increase drug abuse.

— $450 billion to lock those people up in federal prisons alone. Last year, half of all federal prisoners in the U.S. were serving sentences for drug offenses.  http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/05/13/ap-impact-years-trillion-war-drugs-failed-meet-goals/

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) 3 out of 4 Americans believe the war on drugs is a failure  http://www.leap.cc/for-the-media/the-war-on-drugs-at-a-glance/

The costs - “The war on drugs has created a vast criminal market” Maybe this is its’ purpose - http://www.countthecosts.org/seven-costs/wasting-billions-drug-law-enforcement

Propaganda, deceit and the destruction of lives. 15 years ago, and still today our government’s officials do not grasp the problem and continue to make it worse, all for greed. http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/war-drugs-costs-american-lives-liberties

The real world story is always better than fiction – the drug cartels. The reason they exist is due to U.S. policy in a failed war on drugs. Politicians and judges, how many more people are you going to kill because of your ignorance and denial? http://www.newsweek.com/cartel-your-annual-reminder-war-drugs-isnt-over-347085

10 facts about America’s War on Drugs that will shock you  http://matadornetwork.com/change/10-facts-drug-war-will-shock/