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Pubdate: Fri, 15 Oct 2004 Source: Watertown Daily Times (NY) Copyright: 2004 Watertown Daily Times Contact: http://www.wdt.net Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/792 Author: Associated Press Cited: ReconciDer http://www.reconsider.org/ Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n2003/a09.html SYRACUSE CONSIDERS NEW STRATEGY ON DRUGS SYRACUSE - Syracuse city lawmakers are examining local alternatives to the war on drugs, asking for advice from national experts to help develop a new drug policy. "It's become increasingly apparent to a lot of different people that the war on drugs is not working," said Stephanie Miner, chairwoman of the council's finance committee. "This is something that's going on across the country, and we want to learn how other communities are dealing with it, and if there's a way to spend money more efficiently," she said. Miner's committee on Thursday conducted a fact-finding session with four national experts. It will bring in more experts for a second hearing in two weeks. Other communities have made changes in emphasis and enforcement of drug laws. But Thursday's hearing marks one of the few times a city government has taken it upon itself to look critically at its approach and investigate alternatives, said Nicholas Eyle, executive director of ReconsiDer, an organization dedicated to reforming drug laws. The city Council has no control over drug laws, which are approved by the state and federal government. Members can, however, influence how city money is spent fighting drugs and work to change the emphasis and approach of city police toward drug use, Miner said. The hearings stem from last year's critical city auditor's report on the money spent by Syracuse police to enforce minor drug crimes, and by increasing concern by city residents that a new approach is needed, Miner said. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin