As a practitioner, I am currently able to drug test people released on license however, testing for people on DRRs was inconsistently available across all regions.​ As of February 2023, I will have the ability to drug test People on Probation with a Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR).  

 I will carry out the tests during their standard probation supervision appointments using a back-to-lab test kit and I will receive results back 72 hours after the Lab receives the sample in the post. 

There are two elements to a test that I can carry out, an initial screening which will generally be sufficient for supervision purposes but if necessary for legal purposes an additional confirmatory test will be needed. I should only carry out a confirmatory test for such purposes. On the form accompanying a sample I must ensure that I indicate that the test is a for a person with a DRR.  

I will use my professional judgement in terms of a response to any positive drug tests as positive drug test results alone should not be used to breach people rather it is their overall behaviour and risk to the public that needs to be taken into consideration. 

As I now have testing available for People on Probation with a DRR this helps ensure that access to drug testing is equitable. I will have access to supporting guidance, and my region will communicate their expectations on testing, which will depend on our resource and capability.​ 

I can access the online training currently available for drug testing in the community, and these sessions will increase in frequency from February.  

The process for ordering tests remains the same as for ordering kits for testing on license, however a new cost code will need to be entered for tests allocated to DRRs. Local arrangements will be made for the ordering of kits and for the entering of results on Delius