DRUG PROGRAM - ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING PROJECT DESERVES FUNDING

State Sen. Ken Armbrister has the unenviable task of trying to find
ways to slow the runaway growth of the Texas prison population.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, the Victoria
Democrat is looking at alternative sentencing programs that can break
the cycle for criminal offenders.

"If our committee doesn't find some answers, we are never going to be
able to build enough prison cells," Sen. Armbrister said.

One program that merits the Senate committee's strong consideration is
operating here in Dallas County. It is the DIVERT program, which offers
a treatment and rehabilitation alternative for defendants charged with
state jail felony drug possession.

With state District Judge John Creuzot serving as the presiding judge
for the program, DIVERT has built an impressive record for keeping its
graduates out of trouble. Only 8 percent of those who completed the
program have been arrested again.

The key to the DIVERT program's success is the speed in which
participants are involved in drug treatment. Individuals arrested for
drug possession can apply for the 18-month rehabilitation program
before they have even been indicted.

If accepted, they attend three or more substance abuse sessions each
week that last two hours. They undergo regular urinalysis and report to
Judge Creuzot on a weekly basis.

If they don't have high school diplomas, enrollees are expected to
study and pass tests for a graduate equivalency degree. And if they are
unemployed, they have to undergo job training and find employment.

Individuals in the program who fail drug tests can be sent to jail or
placed in a drug treatment center. Those who complete the program
without any setbacks will not be prosecuted or have felony convictions
on their records.

DIVERT, which stands for Dallas Initiative for diVersion and Expedited
Rehabilitation and Treatment, receives its funding from state, federal
and local sources. But major grants supporting the project will expire
in 2001.

Drug courts in Travis, Jefferson and Montgomery counties offer programs
similar to DIVERT. Sen. Armbrister's committee would be wise to
consider a statewide program that offers serious drug treatment rather
than jail time for first-time offenders.

"The old system isn't working because when people get out of jail, they
are still drug addicts," Judge Creuzot said. "We're working with
treatment providers to get folks clean and keep them from committing
more crimes."

It will be hard for the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice to argue
with that logic.