This could only be done in areas that have established drug-testing programs, but reconstructing drug histories using a computer would be practical. Evidence from other studies supports the possibility that use of previous tests could help predict future pretrial misconduct. Conduct many urine tests during the pretrial period to determine the level of drug use. Most programs gave the judge the option to continue testing during pretrial release supervision, and other researchers found that sites replicating the D.C. program tested defendants an average of 10 times before trial. Such prospective screens would be less expensive if they were limited to defendants who were identified by criteria for risk that involved more than a single positive urine test.
Hair testing appears to be a better determinant of long-term drug consumption.
Future research might concentrate on determining the effectiveness of these approaches and on developing a better understanding of the role of drug use in offenders' lives. At present, in its current form, pretrial drug testing may best be used to identify those who need treatment for drug abuse. Courts in Manhattan and Dade County did not receive drug test results.