Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The True Cost of Crime Bills
My own view is that much of the recent "tough on crime" legislation is wrongheaded. There are better ways to deal with crime than a reflexive imposition of prison. Drug treatment, especially for drug users, is a cheaper and more effective way to reduce drug addiction than sending drug users to jail. Regardless, the true costs of crime legislation -- who will pay and how such payment will affect other programs -- must be acknowledged.
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WASHINGTON — The White House is putting more resources into drug prevention and treatment, part of President Barack Obama's pledge to treat illegal drug use more as a public health issue than a criminal justice problem.
The new drug control strategy to be released Tuesday boosts community-based anti-drug programs, encourages health care providers to screen for drug problems before addiction sets in and expands treatment beyond specialty centers to mainstream health care facilities.
"It changes the whole discussion about ending the war on drugs and recognizes that we have a responsibility to reduce our own drug use in this country," Gil Kerlikowske, the White House drug czar, said in an interview.
The plan – the first drug plan unveiled by the Obama White House – calls for reducing the rate of youth drug use by 15 percent over the next five years and for similar reductions in chronic drug use, drug abuse deaths and drugged driving.
In theory this may be a better way in dealing with the drug problem.
I suspect however, that focusing on rehab will prove just as costly.
I am not saying it is wrong but I think it will end up costing a lot more than thought. Further, the success rate is dubious and would be patients must be willing to cooperate with rehab.
This is far more complex than simply making political talking points. If it is to be successful it won't be noticed for decades.
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