COUNTY UNVEILS DRUG PROGRAM

Project Goal: Cut Repeat Offenses

A "major new initiative" providing intense treatment for alcohol and other
drug abuse offenders was announced today by County Executive Kathleen Falk
and Sheriff Gary Hamblin.

The pilot project is in Falk's proposed 2003 county budget.

"This initiative has three goals: to reduce the numbers of repeat offenders
in the criminal justice system, to increase public safety and to turn lives
around," Falk said.

The pilot project would cost $611,000 in 2003, plus an additional $84,000
for an expanded county Drug Court program, but through medical assistance
reimbursement the net cost of the pilot project would be $313,950.

Hamblin said doing a pilot project first instead of a permanent program is
the right way to go.

"We'll see if this treatment plan works," Hamblin said. "We worked together
on designing the concept for the pilot, and I look forward to having it as
an option in managing our inmate population. If we can cut down on repeat
offenders, it will improve public safety."

Jail overcrowding has been a huge concern this year. Recidivism due to
alcohol and/or other drug addiction is a major part of the problem.

A recent study showed 60 percent to 80 percent of inmates in county jails
suffer from AODA. Research also shows treatment combined with after-care
and sanctions can reduce recidivism by 20 percent or more.

"Money we invest now in substance abuse treatment and aftercare pays off in
reduced criminal activity and less spending later in police responses and
prosecutions," said District Attorney Brian Blanchard. "I strongly support
expanding Drug Court and providing more personal accountability and
proactive treatment for inmates addicted to drugs or alcohol."

Inmates who agree to take part in the pilot project would get a
comprehensive package of treatment including 30 days of intensive AODA
treatment daily in a treatment facility away from jail with inmates
returning to jail or the Ferris Center at night, followed by 6-9 months of
aftercare, including attendance at support group sessions and meetings with
an AODA counselor.

The intensive day treatment and aftercare services would be provided
through contracts with outside vendors of AODA services. Dane County
currently works with vendors who provide this type of treatment for both
offender and nonoffender Dane County residents.

"My primary interest is in improving public safety," Hamblin said. "Alcohol
and other drug addiction is a primary underlying cause of repeat offenders.
This initiative is a step in the right direction to cut down on substance
abuse-related offenses in our county."

The first major change is that all inmates entering jail would have an
intake assessment done by a health care professional to determine if
substance abuse or mental health problems may be present.

The Sheriff's Office, with help from a chemical abuse treatment specialist,
would then determine who would be referred to the AODA pilot program. Not
all inmates would be eligible; the target population is inmates who have
committed offenses resulting from substance abuse and who are sentenced
under Huber law work release privileges.

Program participation would be voluntary.