NCJ Number
99717
Date Published
1983
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report assesses the first year of implementation of Maryland's Drinking Driver Program, established in 1983 to provide drinking drivers with alternatives to incarceration and fines.
Abstract
Developed by a Baltimore County District Court judge, the program entails the imposition of probation before judgment. As part of the probation conditions, the defendant must attend an alcohol education or alcohol treatment program, depending on whether the individual is determined to be a problem drinker. Individuals who are determined to be problem drinkers must attend Alcoholics Anonymous and must report weekly to a court monitor, providing proof of attendance at the mandated program. The statewide program requires the Alcoholism Control Administration and the Motor Vehicle Administration to help the courts carry out the program, using contracts with local health departments to perform assessments and conduct treatment programs. The actual expenditures by both State agencies have been below the appropriations, which amounted to $2.7 million in fiscal year 1983 and $4.6 million in fiscal year 1984. Only Baltimore and Ann Arundel Counties have actually implemented the program. Problems that make statewide implementation in fiscal year 1984 unlikely include the absence of overall leadership, inaccuracies in the memorandum defining responsibilities, the passive role of the courts, inadequate standards in the Alcoholism Control Administration, and lack of compliance with the assessment model. Further problems are the inadequate use of Alcoholics Anonymous, duplication of functions, staff overload, and monitoring problems. Coordinated planning and implementation and speeded implementation of program components are needed. Tables are included.