NCJ Number
116829
Date Published
1989
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes the responses to a survey on pre-trial and post-conviction alternatives to incarceration, as well as pre-trial and post-conviction drug testing.
Abstract
The survey was sent to 596 trial court administrators. The jurisdictions responding to whether they had a pre-trial agency or not were fairly evenly split. Of the total 128 responses to this question, 70 indicated that they had such an agency and 58 indicated that none was established. Pre-trial monitoring and supervised release were the most frequently utilized pre-trial monitoring and supervised release were the most frequently utilized pre-trial options. Forty-seven jurisdictions said they do perform some drug testing at the pre-trial stage of adjudication. In general, the response data to questions about pre-trial drug testing indicate: (1) testing occurs on a limited basis, primarily by court order or as a condition of release; (2) testing operates through an informal mechanism as needed or when defendant volunteers for testing; or (3) testing is a formalized program. Most of the responding sites test felons and excludes misdemeanants and juveniles. Testing is generally done when a drug offense is charged, but only a few sites test where there is a history of drug abuse alone. Most of the respondents used test results to monitor drug use, and refer defendants to treatment, while others used them to inform the court. The most effective post-conviction program options were work release and intensive supervised probation. Of the jurisdictions who responded yes or no to whether post-conviction drug test results were used to monitor drug use and refer offenders to treatment. Other survey results on the type and effectiveness of drug tests are listed. Responses by jurisdictions are also included. 5 appendixes.