Pubdate: Sat, 23 Aug 2003 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2003 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Author: Randy Means, Orlando DRUG REHABILITATION - PRISON-BASED PROGRAMS HAVE FAILED I was delighted to see your coverage of the reported upsurge in inmates imprisoned on drug-related crimes. The article was balanced and showed several sides of the issue. However, a comment from Tom Blomberg, acting dean of the Florida State University School of Criminology, that "once they [inmates] get out they are ill-prepared for today's society" may seem sound on the exterior but is prone to sink under stress and scrutiny. The fact remains that most inmates entering Florida's prison system are repeat drug-related offenders. This is no surprise. However, recidivism is occurring even though millions of tax dollars have been wasted on prison-based drug rehabilitation. These prison-based drug-intervention programs have failed miserably. In tight fiscal times, these precious resources should not be squandered on inept drug programs. The monies need to be redirected to other substantive programs, such as those for our youth and our seniors. The premise that drug-related inmates released from prison are ill- prepared is folly; they were ill-prepared long before they received their inmate numbers. For the most part, these individuals are the proverbial chaff from society's wheat. They have had endless opportunities to change their lifestyles, but opted for quick drug money and even a quicker high. This is why they are ill-prepared for society. Our prisons are much like our military. Everyone there is a volunteer. Not one inmate was ever drafted into a world of crime. The more liberal-minded in our population would have you believe that poverty and growing up fatherless are largely to blame for the misdeeds of the incarcerated. That flawed premise, like bell-bottom pants, becomes popular every so often. Unlike fashion trends, blaming others just isn't acceptable. While our society may have its shortcomings, it shouldn't be blamed for creating drug-related criminals or, worse yet, recidivism. Randy Means, Director of Investigations Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office, Orlando - --- MAP posted-by: Josh