IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Robert Murphy

The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia (CSOSA) announces the opening of its new Drug Testing Collection Facility at 300 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. The collection center will be used by men and women under supervised release, to monitor illegal substance abuse. This site, along with the recently opened Drug Testing Laboratory is expected to have a major impact in the monitoring, treatment and sanctioning of the offender population under CSOSA’s supervision.

Approximately 65,000 people in the District of Columbia are currently in need of drug treatment services. Many of these individuals are concentrated in the criminal justice system. More than 75% of criminal offenders have a history of substance abuse and their addiction to drugs fuels their patterns of crime. " This is the next step in our continuing efforts to break the cycle between drugs and crime by monitoring substance abuse in the offender population," said Jay Carver, the Trustee for CSOSA.

Carver explained, "The first step is to make sure we know whom among those we supervise is using drugs. This new facility will permit us to test parolees and probationers on a regular basis. The second step is to ensure that we have treatment for those identified. The third and final step is to exert real criminal justice pressure on those mandated by the Court or the U.S. Parole Commission to remain drug free. Ability to conduct frequent drug tests, coupled with real pressure to remain in treatment, is essential. We know from our experience with Drug Court that we can have a significant impact on drug use and crime when we apply this common sense formula."