NCJ Number
115416
Date Published
1988
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This monograph examines the issues, processes, and procedures involved in establishing a urine testing program as a component of a Treatment Alternatives to Street Crime (TASC) program.
Abstract
TASC is designed to intervene with drug dependent offenders. In providing guidance for instituting a urine testing program as a TASC component, this monograph explains why a urinalysis should be conducted. One reason is because of the documented link between drug use and crime. Urinalysis also assists in implementing various aspects of the TASC program such as screening to identify TASC candidates, assessing and referring clients, and monitoring clients' drug use. The legal issues pertaining to the institution of a urine testing program are also discussed, such as the constitutionality of collecting urine samples, the reliability and accuracy of drug testing technology, chain of custody for the urine sample, court testimony, and the testing of juveniles. Guidance for operating a urine testing program encompasses the technology for conducting the tests, onsite versus external testing, the logistics of onsite testing and external testing, collecting and handling specimens, and standard operating procedures. Glossary, 11 endnotes, 23 resource listings.