Drug Use at Arrest as a Predictor of Behavior on Probation: Final Report

The results showed that offenders who tested positive for use of multiple drugs at the time of their arrest and who had no prior arrests were more likely to have subsequent multiple arrests than offenders who had not tested positive. A 3-year followup study of the probationers revealed substantial continuity of drug use and a greater prevalence of cocaine use. Most probationers failed to inform their probation officers about their drug use or to request treatment. The authors suggest that urinalysis of probationers is crucial if the criminal justice system is to address offenders' drug abuse. 22 tables, 1 figure, 27 references, and 1 appendix.