All offenders are required to undergo periodic urinalysis testing for drug and alcohol use. Studies have shown that drug and alcohol testing serves as a deterrent to using drugs, at least when detection is linked to a sanction. The goal of testing is to reduce criminal behavior by detecting current drug and alcohol users and deterring their use. The department uses the American BioMedica® detection system to detect alcohol, cocaine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), barbiturates, amphetamines, and opiates.  Residents at the Restitution Center are also tested for alcohol and drugs while they are in the program. 

Supervision Officers use two methods to detect alcohol usage: an Instant Alcohol Saliva Test Strip by Redwood Biotech, Inc. and the Intoxilyzer 400 by CMI Inc.  Following an admission or detection of alcohol or drug use, the officer utilizes the Continuum of Sanctions as appropriate to the individual.

On-site testing provides an opportunity to immediately confront the offenders when a positive result is obtained.