Do all New York State probation programs have drug tests?

Question

My best friend was arrested for beating up his ex-girlfriend's car. The event had no connection with drugs, yet he still is sure they will test him.

Answer 1

I'll bet his terms and conditions of probation allow for his PO to request a urine screen or breathalyzer at any time, since one of the standard terms is that "You shall not use any alcoholic or controlled substance unless legally prescribed for you by a licensed physician."

And your friend will be paying for the urine screen/drug test. In our office, we charge the probationers $30 for each urine screen we do on them. That's our cost, so we don't make a profit on them, but the expense doesn't come out of our budget. It's paid by the person undergoing the test.

Answer 2

Drug testing actually costs the state quite a bit of money, so they won't do it unless they have some reason to believe the person might be taking drugs. Even though they typically charge the probationer a fee for the cost of the cup and the lab work, demanding drug test of every single probationer would lead to unavoidable administrative costs that the department would just as soon avoid.

Not sure about NY, but here in CT there are lots of people on probation for larceny, assault, etc who never gave the Dept a reason to suspect drug use, so they don't get tested. While their conditions of probation state that they can, theoretically, be required to submit a urine screen at any time, it's only the ones in for drug-related offenses who can expect regular testing.

Answer 3

It is often a requirement of probation or parole that the probationer or parolee undergo random drug testing and pass. If they fail or skip a test, their parole or probation can be violated and they will go back to jail.