The Predictive Validity of Marijuana Odor Detection:
An Examination of Alaska State Trooper Case Reports 2006–2010

Myrstol, Brad A. and Brandeis, Jason. (Feb 2012). The Predictive Validity of Marijuana Odor Detection: An Examination of Alaska State Trooper Case Reports 2006–2010. Report prepared for the Alaska State Troopers. Anchorage, AK: Justice Center, University of Alaska Anchorage.

Summary: This study provides an empirical estimate of the extent to which Alaska State Troopers (AST) investigators’ detection of marijuana odors served as a reliable indicator of the presence of illegal quantities of marijuana in suspected structures/buildings. It also provides a detailed description of marijuana grow searches conducted by AST investigators. Data were compiled from the case records for all marijuana grow searches conducted by AST for the years 2006–2010 (n=333).