'A BETTER AND SAFER SOCIETY'

Rethinking Punishment And Treatment Of Drug Offenders

The saying, "it is easier to be critical than correct" comes to mind
when reading Fayette County Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson's
comments in the Forum (Nov. 21). In his comments, Larson incorrectly
asserts that my office and the State Office of Drug Control Policy
"appear to be seeking support of incarcerating fewer criminals who
commit crimes because they are drug addicts." Let me set the record
straight.

In 2004, the State Office of Drug Control Policy led a Statewide Drug
Control Assessment Summit, with 16 public meetings held from February
through May. Input was received from more than 3,000 law enforcement
and other interested citizens throughout our commonwealth. (One such
meeting was held in Larson's hometown of Lexington, although for
whatever reason Larson did not attend.) In addition, 1,952 surveys on
how to combat drug abuse were completed as part of the initiative.

Nowhere in the summit process or in the 2004 final report was it
suggested, as Larson contends, that fewer individuals who commit
crimes because they are drug addicts be incarcerated. Rather, one
recommendation resulting from the summit is to explore alternatives to
incarceration for those individuals whose only crime is being a drug
addict.

Those who know me from my work as U.S. Attorney for the Western
District of Kentucky know my stand on prosecuting drug and other
crimes: Those who commit crimes should be prosecuted and when
appropriate, serve prison time. The record of my office on this issue
speaks for itself. But we cannot continue to fight the drug crisis
facing our state and country today solely through incarceration. We
must be more effective in the way we are "tough on crime" - including
education and rehabilitation of addicts before they commit violent or
other crimes.

Larson wisely quotes George Santayana's famous line, that those who
can't remember the past are condemned to repeat it. But he might do
well to recall that same philosopher's aphorism that "fanaticism
consists of redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim."
In our fight against drugs, we should not forget our aim of a better
and safer society, not simply more prisoners.

The writer is Kentucky's lieutenant governor.