A FINE FIRST STEP IN THE HEROIN BATTLE

Police need to be applauded for their efforts in using a preventative
approach to help turn the tide of the soaring heroin toll by focusing
their attention on the victims (The Age, 8/1).

The heroin problem facing the youth of Melbourne is not one confined
to the streets of Footscray, Seddon and Yarraville. It is a community
issue, which transcends all socio-economic classes, and is the great
"mountain of fear" for all parents.

Members of the police and ambulance services, who each hour, day and
night, face first-hand the reality of the destruction of young lives,
need our support, Those dealing with the tragedy of trying to
resurrect the lives of victims know only too well the need for new
approaches and closer insight.

Efforts through police operations to target the criminal element
controlling the state's drug trade, while making some impact, amount
to only one step towards controlling our drug problem.

Focusing attention on users as victims, rather than as criminals, is a
positive first step in such a process. Developing prevention and
education programs, which result from such efforts, will provide far
more hope where fate may otherwise be limited to the columns of
statistical reports.

JOHN C. WILSON, chief executive officer,
Anglicare Victoria,
West Melbourne