Pubdate: Mon, 04 Feb 2002
Source: Florida Today (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Florida Today
Contact: http://www.floridatoday.com/forms/services/letters.htm
Website: http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: Jim Turner

REHAB BETTER THAN JAILING ADDICTS

Regarding John W. Sweeney's recent letter asking that Florida courts enact 
"justice for the victims" in lieu of support for innovative rehabilitation 
programs such as Brevard's Drug Court, his point hinges on his belief that 
crime prevention is accomplished through the severe punishment of the offender.

He suggests that addicts who commit felonies should "go to drug treatment 
after they serve their time."

Sadly, incarcerating young addicts doesn't preclude their future 
predations. Over half of the young people who serve time in Florida's 
prisons repeat felony crimes after their release.

On the other hand, Drug Court works. It has a 28 percent recidivism rate as 
opposed to 55 percent to 75 percent. And 465 Brevard citizens broke the 
chains of their addictions under the supervision of persons such as Judge 
Warren Burk, described by Sweeney as one who "made a mockery of the 
juvenile justice system."

Sweeney doesn't want "felons who rob to get a second chance." He seems 
unaware that Drug Court does not adjudicate offenses other than drug 
convictions.

It's simple. Imprison an addict and augment violent crime. Treat the addict 
and reduce it.

My fear involves the influence of persons such as Sweeney who demand 
"justice for the victims," while standing in queue for season tickets to 
the gallows. Such attitudes ensure we will have no shortage of "victims" 
for whom they seek vengeance. I ask that he, and politicians of like mind, 
consider how many people are not victims because of Drug Court. An ounce of 
prevention is worth a ton of punishment.

JIM TURNER, Merritt Island
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