MIXED RESULTS FOR CALIF. DRUG TREATMENT

Los Angeles, CA, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- A report Friday found mixed successes in
California's new program that sends drug offenders to treatment instead of
jail The UCLA study concluded that nearly one third of the offenders
treated under the state's Proposition 36 were arrested again on drug
charges within a year.

Prop 36 was considered a bold move in tackling drug addiction by getting
addicts help rather than letting them idle in overcrowded jails. It was
also closely watched by addiction and criminal-justice experts on a
national level.

One law enforcement official told the Sacramento Bee that the program lacks
oversight and sanctions against individuals who volunteer for treatment but
don't remain clean.

Proponents of the program, however, said Prop 36 has helped many other
offenders get back on the straight and narrow. They also contended that a
lack of treatment facilities was hampering its effectiveness.