DRUG SUMMIT REPORT: CONCENTRATE ON YOUTHS

A report that came out of last year's Drug Summit in Rochester recommends
concentrating on youths in the fight against illegal drugs locally.

Some of the report's key findings are: City school district students are
frequently dropping out of school and selling drugs, and district support
to keep them in school is lacking. Of this year's 9th grade class, 25
percent are failing all core courses or have been absent more than 30
percent of the school year. A new emphasis needs to be placed on treatment,
which currently does not address the needs of youths.

At a news conference to release the report, City Schools Superintendent
Manuel Rivera said the school district must provide structure, guidance and
support for the most at-risk students around the clock.

"We have to find adults who will work with them when they get out of
school," he said.

Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. said he will ask the state and county to
resume joint police patrols of the city that recently ended and appeal to
judges to lock up those arrested. "We need them to tell us why they cannot
keep people behind bars," Mayor Johnson said.

Of 825 people arrested during the joint patrols, Johnson said, 80 percent
are back on the street.

Rochester Police Chief Robert Duffy reiterated his commitment to reduce
drug related homicides and reduce demand.

The report was a collaboration of work done by experts in the areas of law
enforcement, drug treatment and prevention. It is expected to guide future
efforts to curb illegal drug use in the community.