DRUG COURTS, TAXES

THE Feb. 11 Outlook article by Lawrence T. Jablecki, "Think outside
the cell," pointed out that building more prisons is a "mindless,
costly way to fight crime."

The group that contributes most to Texas' jail population is
nonviolent drug offenders (addicts) whose sole crime consists of
possession of less than a gram of a controlled substance. This group
comprises the largest single component of the 27,000 individuals
arrested each year for felonies in Harris County. If they are found
guilty, their penalty is six months to two years of jail time, where
they can really learn how to become a criminal.

Harris County Commissioners' Court has wisely decided to operate three
drug courts within our criminal justice system. Those convicted of
multiple possession charges, if they commit to wanting to kick the
habit, go to residential treatment under stringent supervision.
However, the county is unable to provide funding for treatment.

To generate community support and funding, the Harris County Drug
Court Foundation has just begun operations, with initial funding from
Interfaith Ministries and Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church. These
institutions believe that a moral issue exists in putting people in
jail for what many consider a public health problem.

The fiscal rationale for drug courts is clear: New York says it has
saved a quarter of a billion dollars by sending addicts to drug
courts, instead of jails.

At some point, the Legislature will begin to understand that building
prisons for nonviolent drug offenders is compounding the problem.
Hopefully, that road to rationality will not be too long.

GABRIEL M. GELB

Treasurer,

Harris County Drug Court Foundation

Houston