FREE NEEDLES MISS THE POINT

I am writing in response to the article on needle distribution in prisons
(Give prisoners free needles: health official, April 16).

Why on Earth would we spend more money on supporting an illegal activity?
Wayne Willows, the spokesman for the provincial corrections branch, is
quoted as saying: "Obviously, there's no tolerance for drug abuse within
our facilities. . . ," but providing needles would not only indicate
tolerance, it would indicate endorsement of an illegal activity. Where are
the drugs and needles currently coming from? One would hope that
correctional facilities are controlled areas, with security measures
preventing the flow of drugs and drug paraphernalia from entering the
prisons. Surely it would be cheaper, easier and certainly more socially
beneficial and health-conscious to eliminate drugs from the prisons, rather
than provide those within with the means to use them. Those who are in our
correctional facilities are there because they have committed a crime
against society. We should be teaching them responsible behaviour, not
providing them with ways
to continue illegal and dangerous activities.

Christy Catton

Surrey