A VICTORY FOR CALIFORNIA

California took a leap of faith six years ago when it decided to
offer nonviolent drug offenders the choice of going to jail or
accepting probation and community-based drug treatment. Critics of
the initiative predicted dire consequences if petty drug criminals
were allowed to escape incarceration. But the data collected in
California is beginning to show that nonviolent drug offenders are
more effectively -- and less expensively -- dealt with when they are
diverted into treatment.

A new study by researchers at the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs
at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows that nonviolent
offenders who complete drug treatment actually save the state money,
even though the programs are costly. According to the study,
Californians save $4 for every $1 they invest in drug treatment for
people who actually complete the treatment regimen. The researchers
estimate that the treatment option has saved California a huge sum --
about $800 million -- over the last five years.

The program is clearly worthy of emulation and worthy of greater
support from the State Legislature and the localities. At the same
time, however, the report makes clear that the program would benefit
from more effective coordination among governmental departments and
localities, as well as improved and expanded treatment regimens.
Given the impressive findings so far, Californians would be wise to
help the program reach its full potential.