SANDAG’s Criminal Justice Research Division has released its latest report on drug use among local arrestees as part of an on-going series of public bulletins. The data, collected through a SANDAG administered program called “ADAM” (Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring), provides law enforcement agencies, treatment centers, and prevention programs with an in-depth look at drug prevalence and choice among male and female arrestees.

In 2003, 67 percent of male arrestees and 69 percent of female arrestees interviewed tested positive for at least one of the following drugs: marijuana, cocaine, opiates/heroin, PCP, or methamphetamine. Individuals who reported having a prior arrest were more likely to test positive for at least one drug. The data collected also revealed interesting trends related to the use of each of the five drugs among the county’s adult arrestees.

Marijuana continues to be the most commonly used illicit substance in the U.S. In 2003, about three-quarters (77% of males and 73% of females) of San Diego arrestees reported trying the drug at some point in time, and 45 and 39 percent, respectively, reported using it within the past 30 days. In addition, 39 percent of males and 29 percent of females tested positive for marijuana at the time of their arrest. Marijuana was the only illegal drug for which males were more likely to test positive.

As part of the continuing project, arrestees are interviewed by non-custodial research staff (hired specifically for this project) within 48 hours of their arrest and booking into jail. If the arrestee is available and interested in participating, he/she is asked a number of questions related to his/her drug use history and is also asked to provide a urine sample for drug testing, both of which are kept confidential and anonymous. A total of 1,194 adults were approached last year and 86 percent agreed to an interview. Of the 1,030 interviewed, 993 (704 male and 289 female) provided a urine sample.

The full report is available on SANDAG’s Criminal Justice Web site.

Project Manager: Cynthia Burke
619-699-1910