Developing and Using a Serious Drug Abuser Scale in the Criminal Justice System: Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 152212
• Date Published: 1993
• Author(s): B D Johnson; A Golub; M Hossain
• Length: 14 pages
• Grant Number(s): 91-IJ-CX-K014; 89-IJ-R-033; 93-DD-R013; 87-IJ-CX-0064; 1-R01-DA005126-04; 5-T32-DA07233-10; 1-R01-DA0
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Survey

Annotation

This paper summarizes the findings of two major reports, one a technical research report that documents the methodology, statistical models, and validity tests of two quick-detection devices for identifying offenders who abuse drugs, and an accompanying policy report that provides extensive analysis of contextual and ethical considerations relevant to the criminal justice systems' potential use of these scales.

Abstract

The Arrest Charge-Age Model provides a straightforward tool to assist in preliminary decisions regarding how likely an offender is to be a cocaine or heroin abuser. However, the Serious Drug Abuser Scale is more accurate and classifies more offenders with a wider range of attributes as being probable cocaine or heroin abusers. Scores from these scales can help criminal justice agencies to decide whether offenders should be required to participate in drug treatment programs; some of the ethical issues and policy options involved in this decisionmaking process are outlined here. 6 notes and 4 tables