All offenders are required to undergo periodic urinalysis testing for drug and alcohol use. Studies have shown that drug and alcohol testing serves as a deterrent to using drugs, at least when detection is linked to a sanction. The goal of testing is to reduce criminal behavior by detecting current drug and alcohol users and deterring their use. In 2009 the Williamson County CSCD collected and tested 21,552 urine samples, with only 3.5% of them testing positive for drugs. 

The department uses onsite instant drug testing kits. Results are obtained approximately one minute after the sample is voided. In instances in which the offender cannot void a sample, saliva swabs are taken and tested for the presence of drug use. Alcohol breath tests are used for the detection of alcohol.

All CSCD offices collect and test specimens on-site. On-site testing provides an opportunity to immediately confront the offenders when a positive result is obtained. 

Following admission of alcohol or drug use, the officer then utilizes the Continuum of Sanctions as appropriate to the individual.

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