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Article Excerpt
STUDIES SUGGEST IMPAIRED-DRIVING offenders have high rates of alcohol-use disorders, nonalcohol drug abuse and dependence (Caetano and Raspberry, 2000; C'de Baca et al., 2004; Lapham et al., 2001, 2002, 2004), antisocial behavior (Nochajski et al., 1994; Simpson and Mayhew, 1991), and depression (Donovan and Marlatt, 1980, 1982; Wells-Parker et al, 2006). Our previous work examined psychiatric diagnoses among offenders convicted of a first offense for driving under the influence (DUI) 5 years following screening for alcohol problems (Lapham et al., 2001). In that study, the majority of interviewed subjects had lifetime histories of alcohol-use disorders, and a large percentage, particularly women, had other psychiatric disorders. The present study focuses on a population of DUI offenders with more severe problems, those with two or more DUI convictions.
Repeat offenders account for approximately one third of impaired-driving arrests (Hedlund, 1994). Repeat DUI offenders are typically men, below age 40, unmarried, and have two or three prior DUI offenses (Jones and Lacey, 2000; Royal, 2000; National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2001). In general, repeat offenders are more likely than first-time offenders to refuse a breath alcohol test, fail to complete mandated alcohol education classes (Collier and Longest, 1996; Elliott and Morse, 1993; Fredlund, 1991), and have a history of other traffic infractions and criminal offenses (Royal, 2000). Repeat offenders are also more likely to have severe psychological and social problems (Royal, 2000). Frequently, chronic drinking drivers are alcohol dependent, and many have a drug-use disorder (Hedlund and McCartt, 2002; National Commission Against Drunk Driving, 2002; Nochajski et al., 1995). The purpose of this study was to further investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, including drug and alcohol-use disorders, in a sample of repeat DUI offenders who participated in a randomized study of sanctions to reduce repeat offenses.
Method
Offender sample
The target population included offenders convicted of a DUI offense and arraigned in the Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, OR. Study participants were those individuals who were eligible for the Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants Intensive Supervision Program (DISP), volunteered to enter DISP, and participated in a randomized trial of the effects of differing sanctions in reducing re-arrests.
DISP intervention
In 1998, the Honorable Judge Dorothy Baker, Multnomah County Circuit Court, developed DISP, a comprehensive, 3-year program (Lapham et al., 2006). It requires intensive probation, close monitoring through in-office meetings and tracking via the Oregon violations' computerized databases, and built-in punishments and rewards. This program draws resources from several governmental divisions and private agencies. Its components include close supervision of offenders, extended judicial monitoring and involvement, emphasis on treatment, and the requirement of sobriety. Offenders who agree to enroll in the program are sentenced to undergo electronic monitoring to ensure sobriety, mandated sale of any vehicles they own to discourage driving, and periodic polygraph tests to demonstrate compliance with sanctions proscribing drinking, drug use, and driving. The DISP also includes treatment. The program aims to encourage life changes that will reduce recidivism and traffic safety risks. At the same time, DISP is conceptualized as a behavior modification program that facilitates offenders' engagement in positive social behaviors, such as gaining employment and participating in community activities.
The main incentive for participation in this program is reduced jail time. Offenders spend only 1-3 days in jail as they begin the program. Refusing DISP can lead to 60 days or more in jail, depending on the district attorney's request. Reduced jail time by participating in DISP allows the offender to keep his or her job, which would likely not happen in the event of extended jail time. DISP offenders do not serve additional jail time unless they violate the conditions of probation. A preliminary study suggests that DISP is a promising approach with respect to reducing future DUI re-arrests (Lapham et al., 2006).
DISP and study enrollment procedures
DISP is a voluntary program for repeat DUI offenders (i.e., those who have at least one previous conviction within the past 10 years) who do not have a history of violent crimes. Eligible offenders can enroll in DISP after pleading guilty to a DUI charge or after a jury trial and DUI conviction. The Multnomah County Court has a 90% conviction rate.
All DISP offenders were eligible to enroll in the randomized study. They were recruited by a research staff person stationed at the court,...
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