Pubdate: Mon, 27 Oct 2003
Source: Florida Today (FL)
Copyright: 2003 Florida Today
Contact: http://www.floridatoday.com/forms/services/letters.htm
Website: http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: Sheri M. Head

DRUG LAW REFORM WOULD AID JAIL

In response to the recent letter writer whose husbnd works at the Brevard 
County Detention Center in Sharpes and fears for his safety because of 
overcrowding there, I agree the conditions are cause for concern. But 
voting for the proposed sales tax hike will not solve the problem.

Treating nonviolent drug offenders with rehabilitation rather than 
incarceration is the best way to significantly reduce overcrowding at our 
jails and prisons.

Imagine how many Sharpes inmates are jailed for nonviolent drug-related 
crimes. If those inmates were in rehab, overcrowding would be reduced and 
her husband would be safer.

Did you see any start-up funds for drug rehabilitation programs on the list 
of proposed projects to be funded by the tax increase?

Until Floridians consider changing our laws on nonviolent drug-related 
crimes, overcrowding will continue to be a problem and the penny tax won't 
solve it.

Sheri M. Head, Port St. John 
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MAP posted-by: Perry Stripling