The purpose of this project is to evaluate the use of Mistral Security Incorporated’s (MSI) Presumptive Drug Detection Technology (PDDT) within six community corrections settings. The focus of the evaluation is to determine if the drug detection technology can be used in community corrections settings, whether it is cost effective and results in cost savings, and whether there are deterrent effects.

Through funding from the National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ) Office of Science & Technology, MSI has developed a spray kit that can be used to detect trace quantities of four categories of drugs: cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana. MSI’s field kit comes with four types of aerosol sprays and three types of test papers. Used in different combinations, the sprays and test papers can detect trace quantities of cocaine, crack and related substances; heroin and related substances; methamphetamine and other secondary amines; and marijuana, hashish, and other cannabinols. Specialized training is not required as the operation of the spray and test paper is straightforward. There are two steps in the process: wiping a surface or object with a piece of test paper, followed by application of one or more of the aerosol sprays to that paper. If the drug is present in sufficient quantity, then the test paper changes color within a few seconds.

The PDDT is being field tested in community corrections settings in Wyoming, Alabama, Florida, and North Carolina. In addition to field-testing the technology, interviews will be conducted with correctional officers and/or staff at each site to obtain their opinions as to how well PDDT worked and the operational efficiency of PDDT, particularly in comparison to urinalysis testing (UA), and to ascertain what, if any, challenges occurred during the study. A sample of offenders subject to PDDT in six sites will be interviewed to elicit their opinions of the experience. Offenders will be queried as to their perception of the effectiveness of the spray to detect different types of drugs.

PDDT and UA results, interviews, and background information will be used to gain a greater understanding of whether it is cost effective and results in cost savings.