NCJ Number
174696
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 60 Issue: 4 Dated: December 1996 Pages: 18-23
Date Published
1996
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper explains the methods used and refined by the probation office in the Central District of California (CDC) at Los Angeles for the past 20 years to detect drug use among offenders, hold drug-using offenders accountable for the decision to violate probation supervision, and persuade or coerce certain offenders to enter a therapeutic community.
Abstract
The drug testing model combines several approaches, including rational choice theory, surveillance, accountability, and treatment. It is effective in providing drug abusers with the opportunity to confront their problem, if they choose to do so, while also protecting the community. Offenders placed on testing have a special drug after condition requiring their participation in treatment and testing as directed by the probation officer. Offenders with no drug history occasionally have a special drug testing condition as well. Drug testing takes place in 3 phases for 12 to 18 times per month. Probation officers observe the actual urine testing and follow seven specific steps in collecting urine specimens. They also need to be aware of several methods used for beating the test. Other drug evaluation methods include the skin check, nasal examination, temperature measurement, eye pupil check and the use of an alcohol breathalyzer. The CDC has purchased onsite drug testing kits that allow officers to obtain immediate presumptive test results. 6 references