Pubdate: Mon, 01 Apr 2002
Source: Lincoln Journal Star (NE)
Copyright: 2002 Lincoln Journal Star
Contact:  http://www.journalstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/561

TREATMENT COULD END REVOLVING JAIL DOOR

Behind the astounding arrest statistics kept by the Lincoln Police 
Department is the sad story of a subculture caught in the revolving door of 
the criminal justice system. The plight of some of the repeat offenders 
demonstrates the need for the community to continue to support and improve 
services for those suffering from substance abuse and mental illness.

More than 186 people in Lincoln have 100 or more arrests or citations since 
1981, according to a Sunday Lincoln Journal Star story. Among those with 
multiple arrests are substance abusers and the mentally ill. They are the 
people who might be saved, unlike the career criminals who also make up the 
group of repeat offenders, criminal justice officials said.

Economic downturns, budget cutbacks and legislative policy changes have 
resulted in reduced treatment services, leaving substance abusers and the 
mentally ill with no place to go -- except city streets, where police are 
left to deal with them. Several repeat offenders have had in excess of 200 
run-ins.

But the matter should be treated as a community health issue, not a law 
enforcement problem. "Lawmakers too often fail to address underlying 
issues, and leave police to address the mess," said Allen Curtis, Nebraska 
Crime Commission executive director.

As a community, Lincoln has an obligation to see that the substance abusers 
and mentally ill receive the help they need. It's not only a moral 
responsibility, but a financial one as well. Every time a person is 
arrested, taxpayers pay for some combination of police, prosecutors, public 
defenders, county services and medical costs. Intervention could save 
thousands of dollars -- and lives, too.

Treatment programs are expensive, but officials argue that taxpayers could 
save in the long run by paying now. Chronic abusers cost more to treat. And 
the recent demand for methamphetamine in the Capital City may further drain 
already limited treatment services.

Police often express frustration at having to deal with the same people 
time and again -- especially those who refuse help. But the city needs to 
make sure treatment is available, and that the people who need assistance 
know about those services.

One of those who refused help but finally was "saved" is Vernie Bird Head, 
whose turnaround is a strong message that hope is possible in what seems to 
be a hopeless situation.

Bird Head -- who had been arrested or cited more than 200 times since 1981 
- -- quit drinking in 1998, after 13 unsuccessful attempts at Cornhusker 
Place Inc. He now runs Thursday night meetings for recovering alcoholics, 
and is an inspiration for others. His story highlights the importance of 
treatment services and demonstrates how the community benefits.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom