Pubdate: Sat, 03 Nov 2001 Source: Times-Picayune, The (LA) Copyright: 2001 The Times-Picayune Contact: http://www.nola.com/t-p/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/848 Author: Robert Sharpe Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1838/a02.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women) HARSH DRUG LAWS HARM WOMEN Gwen Filosa's well-researched Oct. 29 article on the boom in Louisiana women behind bars noted that mandatory minimums for drug possession brought more women into prison for longer stretches ("State women's prison is running out of room: New cell wing to open by 2003") The rise in women behind bars in Louisiana reflects a nationwide trend. With violent crime rates continuing to fall, the drug war is the principle reason the United States now has the highest incarceration rate in the world. Putting otherwise law-abiding Americans who use illicit drugs behind bars with violent criminals is a dangerous proposition. Would alcoholics seek help for their illness if doing so were tantamount to confessing to criminal activity? It's time to begin pursuing harm reduction policies that acknowledge the negative consequences of both drug use and drug enforcement. Robert Sharpe Program officer The Lindesmith Center Drug Policy Foundation Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth