Pubdate: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 Source: Chicago Tribune (IL) Copyright: 2007 Chicago Tribune Company Contact: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n886/a08.html Authors: Kathleen Kane-Willis and Jennifer Janichek TREAT DRUG OFFENDERS Kudos to the Tribune for highlighting a critical issue in Illinois: the disproportionate incarceration of African-Americans for drug offenses. Chicago's open-air drug markets have not decreased despite increased law-enforcement efforts, considered a "supply-side" approach to decreasing drug use. Illinois is now realizing the very high costs and unintended consequences of this approach, both social and fiscal. We believe that Illinois' drug policies need to refocus on reducing the demand for drugs. An effective strategy that has been proven by research to lower demand for drugs is simple: drug treatment. An advisory referendum for "Treatment on Demand" passed overwhelming in Cook County by a 3-to-1 margin of voters, yet this referendum remains unfunded by the state. Treatment holds individuals who use drugs accountable. It's time for Illinois, like many other states across the nation, to change its approach by requiring drug-dependent offenders to spend time in treatment instead of time in prison. Drug supply reduction, including sweeps and arrests, miss a critical point: Demand for drugs continues to remain high and minorities are the most impacted by our current approach. Just as the resolution passed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors recently called for a new bottom line on the war on drugs, it's time for Illinoisans to do the same. We hope that the general public begins to see drug use for what it is: a public health matter instead of simply a criminal justice issue. Kathleen Kane-Willis Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy Jennifer Janichek Students for Sensible Drug Policy Chicago - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake