Applies special expertise in studying the operations of law enforcement and criminal justice programs and programs related to substance abuse and mental health.

The Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Criminal Justice department, known as SAMH&CJS, has a rich history of conducting research on a range of issues including:

• establishment of performance measures for substance abuse treatment programs
• large-scale studies of treatment outcomes
• the operation and effectiveness of substance abuse and mental health treatment and prevention programs; and
• the dynamics and characteristics of drug markets and their relationship to public health and public safety.

Other topics the department has investigated include:

• individual substance use histories
• networks of relationships among substance use, abuse, and dependence
• gambling policy and behavior
• public attitudes about crime, substance abuse and mental health disorders
• homeland security
• the death penalty
• violence against women

Special Capabilities

In addition to the core capabilities offered by NORC, the department has skills of special note conducting surveys of correctional institutions, law enforcement agencies, and interviewing incarcerated respondents on sensitive topics where confidentiality is of heightened importance.

Illustrative Projects

Survey of Former Prisoners

Recent Publications

Volberg, R.A., Nysse-Carris, K.L. and Gerstein D.R. 2006.  

"2006 California Problem Gambling Prevalence Survey." Final Report. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Office of Problem and Pathological Gambling.