Deterrence and urinalysis of probationers
Urinalysis of offenders under community supervision has become a standard procedure for probation offices in the United States. The District of Nevada reports proportionally half the rate of positive urine tests compared to the national average. The current research utilized a survey and field study of the offenders under federal supervision in the District of Nevada who were court ordered to submit to urine testing. The research addresses questions regarding deterrence and the accuracy of the urine testing program. Results indicate that there was little difference between groups of offenders who reported using drugs while in the testing program. A comparison of the office testing procedures and the field tests indicated little difference in the rates of positive tests. This suggests a very accurate testing program. These findings lend support to the hypothesis that the drug testing program is deterring offenders from using drugs.
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations