A personal reflection on information control and agency failure: the case of the New York State Drug Agency, 1973-76.

This paper reviews some personal experiences as a researcher at the New York State University drug agency from 1969-70, and from 1973 to 1976, which offer a perspective into its operation and activities. In particular, the evaluation studies in which my staff and I were involved between 1973 and 1976 provide insight into the "misjudgment, mismanagement, and misrepresentation" (Inciardi, 1988, p. 547) that characterized the agency during this period. The agency's neglect to respond in a constructive manner to service delivery problems identified in these evaluation studies exacted a bitter price; and underscores the importance of agency maintenance of integrity in its various activities.