NCJ Number
128766
Date Published
1990
Length
90 pages
Annotation
Minnesota's drug education program started in 1976 in response to State legislation which reduced the crime of possessing 1.5 ounces or less of marijuana to a petty misdemeanor on the condition that the offender attend a special drug education program.
Abstract
The first large-scale evaluation of the program since 1978 indicates that about 65-75 percent of alcohol and other drug offenders benefit from the program. This conclusion is derived from repeat arrest data, estimates of judges and probation officers, and program participant statements of intention. Program clients are told they are not criminals but rather lack appropriate information and attitudes. They are also told if they reoffend they will then be treated as criminals. A clear majority of program participants did not have repeat alcohol or other drug-related offenses during the 2 years following program attendance. Seven of eight cases involving repeat offenses categorized as felonies resulted in sentences of prison time. Nearly all judges and probation officers felt the program met the needs of minimal-violator clients. The major concern arising from the program evaluation concerns the relatively high rate of recidivism (20-25 percent) for alcohol-related offenses. Recommendations include continuing the program for first-time drug offenders, studying the relatively high rate of driving while intoxicated recidivism among program clients, and obtaining more resources to increase promotional publicity and outreach. An appendix contains additional information on the program and evaluation procedures.