ARIZONA'S DRUG TREATMENT LESSONS FOR CALIFORNIA

PHOENIX, Ariz. (AP) -- Here are eight lessons California can learn from
Arizona's four years of experience with a law that requires treatment
rather than jail or prison for first-time drug users.

- --Work together: Arizona legislators and law enforcement fought over the
law for two years, delaying its implementation.

- --Find money for drug tests, money that's not currently in California's
budget: Arizona found random tests work as well, and are cheaper, than the
frequent tests used by California.

- --Be innovative on rewards: Arizona judges hand out candy suckers, ice
cream cones, and tickets to the zoo or science museum to offenders who stay
clean. Offenders covet the tokens of appreciation, no matter how small.

- --Be innovative on punishments: Instead of jail, stubborn Arizona offenders
do book reports, sit through daylong drug court sessions, or perform
community service.

- --Set strict standards for treatment providers: By doing so, Arizona hasn't
seen the rash of fly-by-night treatment programs some have predicted for
California.

- --Treatment providers will get an education of their own: Most providers
aren't used to dealing with criminals, and must adjust their programs to
keep offenders coming back without the threat of prison or jail.

- --Quickly develop a tracking system: Many Arizona probation departments,
like those in California, aren't prepared for computerized data-keeping.
But rapidly compiling statewide data is crucial to determine if treatment
is working.

- --Create a separate screening court: Offenders shouldn't spend time in jail
awaiting trial for a crime in which jail or prison isn't an option.
Arizona's special courts quickly move offenders into treatment programs.
Instead of being arrested, drug offenders are sent summons to appear in court.