The Vernon Hills Police Department is offering free home drug testing kits for local families who suspect drug use might be going on in their homes, police announced Thursday.

Police believe the drug kits, which test for marijuana, cocaine, crack and PCP, will help build honest communication among families who might be experiencing drug problems.

Each Drug Sensor kit contains a urine collection bottle, confidential ID numbers and a handbook with instructions. Participants can mail the urine samples to a laboratory in a postage-paid box, then call a toll-free number in three to five days to learn the results.

The entire sampling, mailing and result inquiry process is conducted privately by the family. The test kits are free, but there is a small fee for the lab work.

The test kits can be picked up Monday through Friday in the Vernon Hills Police Department, 754 Lakeview Parkway. Proof of Vernon Hills residency is required.