DRUG LAW REFORM WOULD AID JAIL

In response to the recent letter writer whose husbnd works at the Brevard
County Detention Center in Sharpes and fears for his safety because of
overcrowding there, I agree the conditions are cause for concern. But
voting for the proposed sales tax hike will not solve the problem.

Treating nonviolent drug offenders with rehabilitation rather than
incarceration is the best way to significantly reduce overcrowding at our
jails and prisons.

Imagine how many Sharpes inmates are jailed for nonviolent drug-related
crimes. If those inmates were in rehab, overcrowding would be reduced and
her husband would be safer.

Did you see any start-up funds for drug rehabilitation programs on the list
of proposed projects to be funded by the tax increase?

Until Floridians consider changing our laws on nonviolent drug-related
crimes, overcrowding will continue to be a problem and the penny tax won't
solve it.

Sheri M. Head, Port St. John