Over the past four years, the percent of adult arrestees booked into San Diego County detention facilities testing positive for drugs has remained relatively stable, at about two-thirds (67% of males and 69% of females in 2003). During the same period, the percent of juveniles booked into Juvenile Hall that tested positive increased from 46 percent in 2000 to 56 percent in 2003 (see figure). According to the most recent arrest statistics, the number of juveniles arrested for alcohol- or drug-related offenses increased 25 percent overall from 1993 to 2002, but declined seven percent between 1999 and 2002 (not shown).

In 2003, adults were more likely than juveniles to test positive for each drug type, with the exception of marijuana (36 percent of adults positive for marijuana versus 49 percent of juveniles). There were also differences by drug type for adults, with males more likely than females to test positive for marijuana (39 percent versus 29 percent) and females more likely to test positive for methamphetamine (47 percent versus 38 percent).

This data is collected as part of the ADAM (Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring) and SAMY (Substance Abuse Monitoring for Youth) programs currently funded by the California Border Alliance Group (CBAG). Complete analysis of the 2003 ADAM and SAMY data will be available later this summer.

SANDAG's Criminal Justice Research Division is an essential resource for local communities on crime, public safety, and crime-reduction strategies. This group supports local criminal justice planning and policymaking by providing analyses of crime occurrence, crime trends, and responses to crime in the region. Current and historical information about crime patterns and prevention, and crime-reduction strategies are maintained.

Project Manager: Lisbeth Howard
(619) 699-6910