TREATMENT OF ADDICTS

Sir, Despite the official reaction ("Home Office is cool on drug report",
report, May 3), the proposal by the Association of Chief Police Officers to
send heroin and cocaine users for treatment rather than prosecute them
makes very good sense -- and for a reason in addition to those given. In
many cases, police investigation and subsequent imprisonment give kudos and
street cred to the perpetrators of crimes; medical diagnosis and treatment
will tend to do just the opposite.

By removing the element of perverse thrill derived from pursuit and
metaphorical martyrdom, and replacing it with the lesser excitement of
medical examination and treatment, the proposed policy may both cure
dependants and deter prospective ones.

Yours faithfully, HENRY THOMPSON, Greycott, Redmire, Leyburn, North
Yorkshire DL8 4EH. May 3.