DRUG WAR STARTS WITH PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The intent of any penal code is to hold people accountable for their
actions, as it is impossible to rid our society of any one particular crime.

The argument against the current drug policy is baseless and relies
on anecdotal evidence for its foundation. Here are the myths revealed:

Myth 1: There is no "drug war." That was a phrase used decades ago to
catch a headline. Illegal drugs are a violation of our penal code,
which was enacted by our elected Legislature. Is there a war against
murder, robbery, burglary, rape and larceny and, if so, are we losing
that war also, because these crimes still occur? So is the answer to
ignore these crimes as well, hence saving the taxpayers money, or
should we hold these criminals accountable? Easy answer on that one, I guess.

Myth 2: Drug users are being put in prison for long sentences and not
receiving treatment. No, no, no. I have never met an officer,
assistant district attorney or judge who wants to put a drug user in
prison. Although the rehabilitation part of our system is indeed the
biggest failure of current drug policy, I still believe users should
get treatment, but not dealers.

Myth 3: Drugs are a nonviolent crime. Illegal drugs are the primary
driving factor in most of our street violence and a good portion of
domestic related violence. Further, any politician who tries to sell
you that bag of goods should lose your vote forever.

Removing a drug dealer from our streets sets the example for others
and holds that individual accountable for his or her actions. The
second you give up on personal accountability is when you give up on
your community.

To David Soares: You're a nice guy, do the job you were elected to do
by enforcing the laws of this state. Leave the legislation to those
who were elected to do so. Talk is nothing, deeds are everything.

Detective John Monte

Albany Police Department