Results suggest that the public is generally supportive of the movement to test employees for drug and alcohol abuse. Considerable consensus exists that testing is appropriate where employee impairment would jeopardize public safety (e.g., airline pilots) or tarnish the public trust accorded some occupational groups (e.g., police, teachers). Disagreement arises when the proposal is to test universally and without regard to the occupational function. In such instances, nearly half of the sample opposed the policy. Results indicate that most citizens believe that the most prudent testing policy is to balance concerns for privacy rights with the public's needs to prevent dangerous victimization. This orientation is largely consistent with recent legal rulings that have shied away from granting employers unfettered discretion in testing and have urged that testing be based on reasonable grounds. 3 tables, 2 notes, and 34 references. (Author abstract modified)