EXPLORING DRUG TREATMENT COURT

The police board is exploring whether to bring a drug treatment court to
Abbotsford.

Mayor Mary Reeves, who is chairwoman of the police board, said she feels
that the program, which is currently in place in Vancouver, is a "good idea."

The board is currently in the exploration phase, and reviewed information
about Vancouver's program during a meeting on Tuesday. The board is
expected to receive more information about the program at a future meeting.

Vancouver's program began in 2001 with the aim to reduce the number of
crimes committed to support a drug dependency by reducing drug addiction
through treatment services.

The project also aims to connect people receiving treatment with community
services that are best able to deal with their related social, health and
economic needs.

By providing a treatment option for those caught up in the criminal justice
system, it will help those individuals end their addiction, as well as
reduce the burden and long-term cost of processing high numbers of
drug-related cases and repeat offenders, a government press release from
2001 states.