COUNCIL CONSIDERS ADDICTION COURT

Frustrated with waiting for federal and provincial funding to
establish a drug treatment court in Calgary, city council is
considering launching its own addictions program.

Calgary city council will review on Wednesday a motion to spend
$10,000 this year and $50,000 in 2007 to establish a two-year drug
treatment court pilot project.

The program would see drug addicts committing minor crimes to fund
their habit diverted from the traditional courts into treatment.

"We have a serious problem with drugs in Calgary. All the evidence
shows this is the only solution that actually helps reduce
drug-related crimes," said Ald. Druh Farrell, who has advocated for
drug treatment courts in Calgary.

Participants in the drug-treatment courts would remain in a specified
site throughout the detox program. Those caught using would be
bounced back to the courts for sentencing, while those who kick the
habit would avoid jail time.

"This is a very good step because it treats the addiction rather than
the crimes," said Calgary Police Service drug unit Staff Sgt. Monty Sparrow.

Provincial and federal governments are currently funding a full drug
treatment court in Edmonton and policing and social services groups
have long lobbied for a similar program here.