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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom