NCJ Number
175405
Date Published
1998
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This paper presents comparative results from the first 2 years of a drug testing program for probationers and parolees in Louisville, Ky.
Abstract
During the second year of the project, 1,556 clients on probation or parole were tested for drugs. Every client was tested at least once, and some were tested a maximum of five times. Where possible, comparisons were made between the research findings from the first and second years of the program and to the results from the drug use forecasting program (DUF). Both bivariate and multivariate statistics were used to analyze these data. The multivariate analysis used discriminant analysis to construct profiles of various types of substance abusers revealed by the drug testing. For both years, marijuana (59 percent and 53 percent of all tests) and cocaine (36 percent and 28 percent) were the drugs typically abused. Clients who completed the Kentucky Substance Abuse Program were less likely to recidivate. Client attributes associated with substance abuse were established through the use of discriminant function analysis. Males, blacks, persons on shock probation, and persons who were admittedly cross-addicted or on maximum supervision were likely to test positive for marijuana. Females, blacks, older clients, shock probationers, those with a confessed drug problem, and clients on maximum supervision were likely to test positive for cocaine. Overall, the drug testing showed remarkably similar patterns during the first 2 years. Policy statements are presented on the basis of the research. 1 table, 7 figures, and 31 references