Pubdate: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON) Copyright: 2008 The Hamilton Spectator Contact: http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181 Author: Daniel Nolan Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) CITY NEEDS DRUG COURT: EISENBERGER Mayor Fred Eisenberger says it's time Hamilton got a drug court to deal with addicts who need treatment as opposed to jail time. The mayor, who has spoken to federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson about the issue, made his comment yesterday after police Chief Brian Mullan presented a report on the city's crack cocaine trade to the police services board. Mullan said police have identified 80 crack addicts in Hamilton who commit multiple crimes to support their habit, but noted a 2005 study on drug abuse in Hamilton found that there were more than 6,600 users who sought treatment for addictions in 2004. Seventeen per cent used crack cocaine and 10.5 per cent used cocaine as their primary drugs. Mullan also noted that, at any given time, there are between 20 and 30 crack houses operating in the city, the majority located in the downtown and the north end. "Drug abuse, particularly the addiction to crack cocaine, is a driving force for crime in the city of Hamilton," the chief said in a four-page report. "Drug abuse is a societal problem that goes beyond the abilities of the Hamilton Police Service." Eisenberger said a drug court is important for Hamilton. The first drug court was set up in Toronto in 1998; its operators have deemed it a success. Mullan, who also supports a drug court for Hamilton, told the board the Toronto court has a 40 per cent turnaround rate. Under the program, non-violent addicts who choose to enter it are required to plead guilty to their drug offence, submit to weekly urine tests and take part in group therapy. To graduate, they must stay drug-free, live in stable housing and work or go to school. There are now six drug courts in cities across Canada. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom