The project involved the recruitment and retention of approximately 151 probationers in Pinellas County, Florida, who were subject to hair assays for illicit drug exposure from 1 to 6 months. Researchers collected and analyzed six consecutive specimens on 90 probationers over a 6-month period, 101 consecutive samples for 5 months, and fewer numbers for other probationers. Based on study findings, the researchers conclude that there are no formidable obstacles to block or inhibit the adoption of hair-assay technology into ongoing probationary field activities. Officers were readily able to collect samples, to package and transport them effectively, and to gain the cooperation of the probationers. Officers surveyed reported that hair-sample gathering was less burdensome than urine specimen collection. A higher rate of drug-positive cases was detected by hair analysis compared to urinalysis, regardless of the drug assayed. The authors state that the ideal implementation of this technology will involve the combined use of hair and urine testing. 47 tables, 86 references, and appended study forms, codebooks, and data
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