The District of Columbia Pretrial Services Agency established the program in March 1984. It uses the most current technology to produce highly accurate drug test results within 1 to 2 hours. Judges receive this information for the initial release decision, throughout the pretrial period, and at sentencing. The agency also offers judges a plan for dealing with the potential risks of releasing drug abusing defendants. The agency conducts tests before the defendant's initial appearance in court, weekly tests as a condition of release, and test by special court order. The urinalyses have shown drug use to be far higher than indicated in self-report data. The testing checks simultaneously for five drugs: phencyclidine (PCP), opiates (heroin), cocaine, methadone, and amphetamines. The testing has revealed both the high incidence of drug abuse and the increases in the use of PCP and cocaine. The program has withstood legal challenges. Staff costs account for about half of the program's total budget. Graphs and photographs.