COUNTY SEES DROP IN POSITIVE COCAINE TESTS

Role Of New Testing Procedures

VALPARAISO -- The number of probationers testing positive for cocaine
use fell by one-half over previous months since the county began
implementing a new oral procedure aimed at eliminating the potential
of false results.

Fourteen percent of the oral tests taken in August came back
positive, as compared to 30 percent in June, 33 percent in May, 11
percent in April and 31 percent in March, Porter County Adult
Probation Chief Neil Hannon said. Few oral tests were taken in July
because of the reliability concerns raised by defense attorneys.

The probation department responded to the concerns at the end of July
by dismissing 57 revocation charges and changing its testing
procedure to protect against contamination. Probationers now are
required to wear gloves when handling the cotton swab used to gather
saliva samples.

Hannon does not believe the drop in positive test results during
August has anything to do with the new procedure. He said there are
many factors that determine if tests results are up or down.

Positive drug tests are traditionally on the rise for probationers
between Thanksgiving and the new year, he said, as well as at tax
return time when there is more money to spend on drugs.

The availability of individual drugs also affects the test results,
Hannon said.

Defense attorneys began questioning the reliability of the oral tests
because of a spike in positive cocaine results among clients. They
said those same clients denied using cocaine and tested negative
using methods other than the oral swab.

Hannon said it is his understanding drug dealers sometimes add
cocaine to marijuana to attract customers back. This would explain
why some people are surprised with their positive cocaine results, he said.

The 14-percent positive test result with cocaine is pretty consistent
nationally, Hannon said. While the county has gained attention with
its heroin problem, he said there are still far more positive cocaine
tests among probationers.