Pubdate: Sun, 25 Feb 2001
Source: Eastside Journal (WA)
Copyright: 2000 Horvitz Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  1705 132nd Avenue N.E., Bellevue, WA 98005-2251
Fax: 425-635-0602
Website: http://www.eastsidejournal.com/

DRUG WAR NEEDS MONEY FOR TREATMENT

Twelve years ago, our state got tough in the war on drugs. The 1989 Omnibus 
Drug Act doubled the jail sentences for drug users and pushers and provided 
treatment to help people break their addiction. Then, one year later, the 
Legislature cut money to pay for treatment.

Today, jails are full, but drug and alcohol addiction remains a serious 
problem.

King County Prosecuting Attorney Norm Maleng, no slouch when it comes to 
being tough on crime, wants the state to make good on the second part of 
the battle plan. He would shorten prison sentences for drug users and 
dealers and use the savings to treat their addictions. It's a good plan 
that deserves public and legislative support.

No one denies the problem with drugs. In 1989, crack cocaine use was 
approaching epidemic proportions. Random and senseless violence became 
common, along with drive-by shootings and open gang activity. Neighborhoods 
were at risk to be lost to crime and criminals.

The Legislature responded. Prison sentences were doubled for dealing heroin 
and cocaine. However, our lawmakers botched the treatment part of the 
program. A special tax on bottled beverages to pay for treatment was 
repealed one year later. As a result, we still have jails, and we still 
have addicts.

Drug treatment works, maybe not for everybody all the time, but it does get 
some people to kick the habit. Every success means a person is returned to 
a productive, taxpaying life. That benefits both the individual and 
society. Recent studies show:

* For every dollar spent on treatment, $7.46 is saved on local crime 
enforcement activities.

* Drug treatment can cut drug use 50 to 70 percent.

* Treatment can reduce serious crime 10 times more effectively than 
conventional enforcement.

Drug courts already operate in King and several other counties in the 
state. They offer defendants the option of choosing treatment or a trial. 
However, federal funds to support them are expiring. By modestly reducing 
sentences now being handed out to drug users, money spent on jail beds can 
be channeled into treatment programs. The switch can be done with no new 
money from the state.

Maleng's plan would continue the crackdown on methamphetamine 
manufacturing, a scourge that remains out of control. He also would keep 
the prospect of jail time as a way to make sure people continue in a 
treatment program.

It's time for the Legislature to fulfill its 12-year-old promise of 
treatment to those battling drugs. Maleng's proposal will do that.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom