PROSECUTOR CONFUSED ABOUT STATE DRUG STRATEGY

The saying that it is easier to be critical than correct comes to mind
when reading Fayette County Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Larson's Nov.
22 commentary. Larson incorrectly asserts that the State Office of
Drug Control Policy and I "appear to be seeking support of
incarcerating fewer criminals who commit crimes because they are drug
addicts."

Let me set the record straight.

In 2004, the State Office of Drug Control Policy led a Statewide Drug
Control Assessment Summit, with 16 public meetings held from February
through May. Input was received from more than 3,000 law enforcement
and other interested citizens. (Larson, for whatever reason, did not
attend the Lexington meeting.) In addition, 1,952 surveys on how to
combat drug abuse were completed as part of the initiative.

Nowhere in the summit process or in the 2004 final report was it
suggested that fewer individuals who commit crimes because they are
drug addicts be incarcerated. Rather, one recommendation resulting
from the summit is to explore alternatives to incarceration for those
whose only crime is being a drug addict.

We cannot continue to fight today's drug crisis solely through
incarceration. We must be more effective in the way we are "tough on
crime" -- including education and rehabilitation of addicts before
they commit violent or other crimes.

Larson wisely quotes George Santayana's famous line about those who
can't remember the past being condemned to repeat it. But he might do
well to recall that same philosopher's aphorism that "fanaticism
consists of redoubling your efforts when you have forgotten your aim."
In our fight against drugs, we should not forget our aim of a better
and safer society, not simply more prisoners.

Lt. Gov. Steve Pence,

Frankfort