JAIL WITHOUT JAVA -- WELL, IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE PUNISHMENT

Jail isn't exactly the Betty Ford Center, but Santa Clara County
Corrections Director Tim Ryan thinks it's as good a place as any to tackle
addictions.

About 80 percent of the inmates in the county's jails arrive addicted to
something -- from alcohol to cigarettes to violence. Ryan wants to use jail
time to help them kick their habits.

Starting next month, not only drugs and alcohol will be off limits.
Smoking, which is permitted on a limited basis, will be forbidden for all
inmates and staff. Coffee will no longer be served at breakfast, and sugar
will be off the menu in the cafeteria. Eventually the selection of TV
programs will be limited to nonviolent and educational shows.

Breaking the cycle of addiction is an admirable goal. The average inmate is
a guest of the county for 109 days -- plenty of time to initiate positive
lifestyle changes. Classes in substance abuse are offered to all county
inmates.

But get real. These changes aren't just about promoting health. They are
about keeping order and controlling costs. Sugar is being removed because
it attracts pests and because inmates use it to brew an alcoholic drink.
Tobacco is banned in every other county building, and jail should not be an
exception. Coffee is so expensive that several other counties have quit
serving it. Ryan says he'll save $50,000 a year. (Inmates can still buy
their own instant coffee.)

It is regrettable that one of the few common signs of civilized American
society -- that morning cup of coffee -- will no longer be offered to folks
who could use it most. But jail should be a stark, inhospitable place. As
Ryan says, he's not running Starbucks. If the inmates don't like the menu,
they don't have to come back.

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson