SUPERVISING DRUG OFFENDERS

Mack Jenkins M.S.Chief Probation Officer

San Diego County Probation Department

Objectives

Review Common Characterizes of Drug Offenders

Review Factors the Influence Drug Offender Outcomes

Review best Practices in the Supervision of Drug Offenders

Risk Areas for Offenders in Drug Courts

Eight risk factors have been shown to predict recidivism among individuals under community corrections supervision. Andrews and Bonta summarize these risk factors as.

History of Criminal Behavior ( prior interactions with the CJ system) Anti-social personality ( antagonism, impulsivity, risk taking Pro-criminal attitudes ( criminal thinking) Anti-Social associates Poor use of leisure time/recreational time Substance abuse Problematic circumstances at home ( low caring or supervision, high

neglect or abuse, homelessness) Problematic circumstances at work or school ( limited education,

unstable employment history

Problematic circumstances at school or work (for example: limited education, unstable employment history)

Addressing Needs of Offenders in Drug Court

Adopt Prosocial ID, develop less risky thinking

Reduce association with criminals Improve coping skills, self management Non criminal alternatives in risky situations Build relationships Enhance performance satisfaction Involvement on prosocial activities’ Reduce substance use, enhance alternatives

Profiles of Drug Offenders

Cocaine Opioid Methamphetamine Marijuana Alcohol

Cocaine Users

Increased HR Increased BP Pupils dilated Heavy perspiration Reddened nasal passages Dry mouth Loss of appetite

Cocaine Withdrawal

Increased appetite Chills Weak Profound depression Stomach cramps Tremors Paranoia

Opioid Users

Decreased HR and respiratory depression Fatigue/drowsiness Apathetic Constricted pupils Dry mouth Moody Impaired thinking Constipation Slow reflexes

Opioid Withdrawal

Restless Excessive yawning Chills Hot flashes Clammy skin Runny nose Abdominal pain Diarrhea

Methamphetamine users

Restless Agitated/irritable Anxious Pupils dilated Possible hallucinations Dry mouth Loss of appetite Skin disorders Increased libido

Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Increased appetite Chills Exhaustion Abdominal pain Tremors Profound depression Paranoia

Marijuana Users

Increased appetite Lack of motivation Possible hallucination Possible paranoia Poor working memory Laughing giggling Possible leg tremors

Physical Effects of Marijuana

Increased HR Dry mouth Reddened eyes Lack of convergence Sensation of cold or hot hands and feet Increased appetite Poor short term memory Inactive working memory

Keys To Supervising Drug Offenders

Assessment Case Planning Supervision Strategy Supervision /Treatment Collaboration Competency areas

Assessment

Accurate assessment is a key to effective supervision.

Assess for: Risk ( Crimenogenic Risk)

Crimenogenic needs Need ( Clinical needs)

Addict or abuser?

Assessment

Drug Offenders will fall into the following categories: High Risk/ High Needs High Risk/Low Needs Low Risk/ High Needs Low Risk/ Low Needs

Case Planning Based on Assessment Info

High Risk/High Needs Intensive supervision, frequent contacts Treatment by licensed or certified clinicians CBT programs Vocation, training, life skills, literacy programs

High Risk/ Low Needs Intensive supervision CBT Vocational Training, life skills, literacy, etc.

Case Planning Based On Assessment

Low Risk/High Needs Moderate supervision CBT Programs to teach productive skills

Low Risk/Low Needs Prevention diversion

Supervision Strategy

Elements of a Comprehensive supervision strategy should include: Contacts based as dictated by the assessed

risk level and participant progress Home contacts Frequent and random drug testing Specialized supervision terms, based

assessment information.

Supervision and Treatment Collaboration

Relationship should be as seamless as possible.

Frequent communication a must Agree on the information to be shared,

i.e. general progress in TX, missed appointments, drug test results?

Exchange case plans Use appropriate release on information

forms

Drug Testing

Should be frequent and random to the maximum extent possible.

The purpose is to detect and deter. Know Drug detection windows;

Meth- 48hrs Cocaine- 72hrs Opioids -72hrs THC-2 weeks Alcohol- 60hrs (ETG)

Competencies for Supervising Drug

The supervision(s) officer or entire team should be knowledgeable in: Addiction Psychopharmacology Substance abuse treatment Stages of change Relapse prevention Working on Multidisciplinary teams

Summary/Conclusion

The key to effectively supervising drug offenders is an assessment the identifies risk and clinical need.

The team must use an assessment driven case plan, that differentiates between dependence and abuse.

There must be a coordinated stargey between supervision and treatment