TOP LAW OFFICERS BLAST DRUG-CRIMES INITIATIVE

Proposition 36: Group Calls Measure Redundant, Says It Offers No
Accountability.

A bevy of Ventura County law enforcement brass gathered a stone's throw
from the main jail Wednesday to toss their weight against Proposition 36,
which would mandate treatment rather than incarceration for drug offenders.

Sheriff Bob Brooks, District Attorney Michael D. Bradbury, Probation Agency
Director Calvin Remington and Judge Barry Klopfer all spoke out against the
state proposition on Tuesday's ballot.

Others on hand included Simi Valley Police Chief Randy Adams, Santa Paula
Police Chief Bob Gonzales and representatives of police officer and deputy
unions.

Brooks said polls show Proposition 36 may pass, and that would be a mistake.

Ventura County already has diversion programs designed to help first- and
second-time drug offenders stay out of jail, Bradbury said.

"(Prop. 36) undermines proven programs that already exist here in the
county," Bradbury said.

Speakers Wednesday echoed the arguments of high-profile proposition
opponents such as actor Martin Sheen -- that it offers no accountability
and no motivation for a drug offender to successfully complete treatment
and remain drug free.

"Treatment is only effective when you're dealing with someone who is
motivated," said Klopfer, a judge in the county's drug court program.
"Change requires motivation."

Under the drug court program, Klopfer said, the judge can tailor the
punishment and treatment for individuals.

"Proposition 36 removes that discretion and mandates one course of action
only," Klopfer said.

Dave Fratello, a spokesman for the Yes on Prop. 36 campaign, said that
while many of the arguments begin with an element of truth, they are
exaggerated.

Proposition 36 still allows jail for repeat offenders and drug testing
ordered by a judge, Fratello said. And judges still would retain the power
to decide which treatment programs offenders must complete.

"It looks like the proposition will become law, and I have to say, we won't
have the sky fall down on us," Fratello said.