NCJ Number: 150551
Title: Predicting Pretrial Misconduct with Drug Tests of Arrestees: Evidence from Eight Settings
Author(s): W Rhodes; R Hyatt; P Scheiman
Corporate Author: Abt Associates, Inc
Date Published: 1994
Page Count: 91
Sponsoring Agency: Abt Associates, Inc
Grant Number: OJP-89-C-009
Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
Document: PDF
Dataset: DATASET 1 DATASET 2
Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
Format: Document
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: Research concerning drug testing for pretrial releasees is examined.
Abstract: This research report discusses the results of research concerning the use of pretrial drug testing to identify defendants at high risk of pretrial misconduct. The research is an analysis of eight data sets. Each data set recorded arrestees' postrelease misconduct (arrests and failure to appear), urine test results, and other factors (especially criminal records and community ties). Data are from Washington, D.C. (adults, 1984 to 1985), Manhattan, New York (1984), Washington, D.C. (juveniles, 1986 to 1988), Dade County, Florida (1987), Prince George's County, Maryland (1988 to 1989), Maricopa County, Arizona (1988), Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (1989), and Washington, D.C. (adults, 1989 to 1990). This investigation used survival analysis to study time until rearrest. It used a prohibit model to analyze the occurrence of a failure to appear. In both cases, the analysis showed whether a positive test for cocaine, heroin, or other illicit substance improved the prediction of misconduct after accounting for defendants' criminal records, community ties, and other factors commonly known by the court. Findings include that a positive test for opiates helped predict rearrest. A positive test for cocaine was less predictive of rearrest, although such results helped predict failure to appear. Other drugs showed no consistent predictive power for rearrest or failure to appear. While the results of this research is not dispositive of the benefits to be experienced through the use of pretrial drug testing, evidence does show that drug test results can help to predict pretrial misconduct. Appendix, references, tables
Main Term(s): Pretrial drug testing
Index Term(s): Correctional reform; Pretrial release
Note: This report is part of the Research Report series.
To cite this abstract, use the following link: http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=150551
. A title search of 