MORE PROBATION OFFICERS WON'T STOP DRUG-RELATED CRIME

Yes, we need many more probation agents; yes, we need to revamp the Break
the Cycle program.

But when you have 50,000 drug addicts in Baltimore and 80 percent of crime
is drug-related, more probation officers and a revamped outpatient program
won't supply the answers

Drug addiction is a disease that cannot be cured overnight. We need drug
treatment hospitals or long-term, live-in drug treatment programs.

Paul Alpert, Baltimore

The writer is a retired judge of the Court of Special Appeals