Pubdate: Thu, 09 Nov 2006
Source: Daily Sentinel, The (Grand Junction, CO)
Copyright: 2006 Cox Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.gjsentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2084
Author: Rebecca Foster
Referenced:http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1502/a06.html

SHERIFF'S DEPT. SHOULD FOCUS ON INTERVENTION, TREATMENT OF USERS

Editor:

The recent request for additional funding for personnel by the 
Sheriff's Department to fight meth in Mesa County is placing the cart 
before the horse. The funding should be placed in intervention and treatment.

How long can we turn a blind eye on the underlying mental-health 
issues associated with drug abuse and addiction? There would be far 
fewer victims of meth-related crime if there were a well-funded, 
community-backed program working toward recovery before law 
enforcement must step in.

I would propose that a pro-active stand is far better than 
apprehension and incarceration in our already-overcrowded criminal 
justice system.

Rebecca Foster

Grand Junction
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MAP posted-by: Elaine