TREAT DRUG OFFENDERS

Kudos to the Tribune for highlighting a critical issue in Illinois:
the disproportionate incarceration of African-Americans for drug
offenses. Chicago's open-air drug markets have not decreased despite
increased law-enforcement efforts, considered a "supply-side"
approach to decreasing drug use. Illinois is now realizing the very
high costs and unintended consequences of this approach, both social
and fiscal.

We believe that Illinois' drug policies need to refocus on reducing
the demand for drugs.

An effective strategy that has been proven by research to lower demand
for drugs is simple: drug treatment.

An advisory referendum for "Treatment on Demand" passed overwhelming
in Cook County by a 3-to-1 margin of voters, yet this referendum
remains unfunded by the state. Treatment holds individuals who use
drugs accountable.

It's time for Illinois, like many other states across the nation, to
change its approach by requiring drug-dependent offenders to spend
time in treatment instead of time in prison.

Drug supply reduction, including sweeps and arrests, miss a critical
point: Demand for drugs continues to remain high and minorities are
the most impacted by our current approach.

Just as the resolution passed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors
recently called for a new bottom line on the war on drugs, it's time
for Illinoisans to do the same.

We hope that the general public begins to see drug use for what it is:
a public health matter instead of simply a criminal justice issue.

Kathleen Kane-Willis

Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy

Jennifer Janichek

Students for Sensible Drug Policy

Chicago