NCJ Number
155950
Journal
ONDCP Bulletin Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1991) Pages: complete issue
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Drug testing requirements were proposed in 1991 because it was determined that certain advantages could be realized from drug testing throughout the criminal justice process, from the time of arrest through postconviction supervision.
Abstract
Drug testing at the prearraignment stage enhances judicial decisionmaking in setting bail or release conditions. When individuals identified as drug users are released on bail or on postconviction supervision, they must be monitored through periodic drug testing as a release condition. At all stages of the criminal justice process, drug testing serves as a deterrent for both casual and hard-core users. For many users, drug testing programs facilitate effective drug treatment. In addition, information obtained from widespread drug testing can help State and local jurisdictions assess drug use trends and develop appropriate planning and intervention strategies. Drug testing programs can save taxpayer dollars and protect public safety. Under proposed drug testing requirements, individuals subject to State and local testing programs would fall into three categories: arrestees, offenders incarcerated in prisons or jails, and convicted offenders on supervised released. The total cost nationwide of implementing proposed drug testing requirements was estimated at $40.5 million in fiscal year 1992. Drug testing costs are tabulated by State. 3 figures