Pubdate: Sat, 27 Oct 2001
Source: Post-Star, The (NY)
Copyright: 2001 Glens Falls Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.poststar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1068
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?140 (Rockefeller Drug Laws)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1802/a03.html

SHIFT TO PUBLIC HEALTH ALTERNATIVE IS OVERDUE

Editor:

The Oct. 22 article on the unclear outcome for prison jobs in the 
North Country mentioned the possible impact a reform of Rockefeller 
drug laws would have if non-violent drug offenders were diverted to 
drug treatment instead of prison.  The shift towards public health 
alternatives to the drug war is long overdue.

With violent-crime rates continuing along a downward trend, the drug 
war is a primary reason the United States now has the highest 
incarceration rate in the world.  At an average cost of $25,071 per 
inmate annually, maintaining the world's largest prison system can 
hardly be considered fiscally conservative.

Putting Americans with substance abuse problems behind bars with 
violent criminals is a dangerous proposition.  Prisons transmit 
violent habits and values rather than reduce them.  Most drug 
offenders are eventually released with dismal job prospects due to 
criminal records.  Turning non-violent drug offenders into hardened 
criminals is a senseless waste of tax dollars.

ROBERT SHARPE, M.P.A.
Program Officer
The Lindesmith Center-Drug Policy Foundation
Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Josh