Methadone programs and crime reduction: a comparison of New York and California addicts

Methadone patients in Santa Clara County (California) and Brooklyn (New York)--Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation (ARTC)--were evaluated to determine the extent of reductions in individual and community-wide criminal activity. Findings showed an overall decline in official (recorded) arrests for Brooklyn patients in a 3-year follow-up period. California patients showed similar declines in a 2-year follow-up period. Assault rates for both populations showed less of a decline. It was found that Brooklyn patients were arrested less frequently but for more severe offenses across preaddiction, addiction, and post-program entry periods. Criminal complaints to the police in the ARTC area were not reduced as compared to surrounding precincts. Individual and program performance characteristics were examined for Brooklyn patients in relation to reductions in criminal activity. A better preprogram drug history and decreased drug use while on the program were related significantly to decreased criminal activity for male and female patients, and older patients had slightly better outcomes. It was concluded that future programs should utilize more aggressive outreach techniques, including epidemiologic methods, to reach younger addicts, and that stable programs relying on central screening and a range of services would be required for success with them.