REHAB BETTER THAN JAILING ADDICTS

Regarding John W. Sweeney's recent letter asking that Florida courts enact
"justice for the victims" in lieu of support for innovative rehabilitation
programs such as Brevard's Drug Court, his point hinges on his belief that
crime prevention is accomplished through the severe punishment of the offender.

He suggests that addicts who commit felonies should "go to drug treatment
after they serve their time."

Sadly, incarcerating young addicts doesn't preclude their future
predations. Over half of the young people who serve time in Florida's
prisons repeat felony crimes after their release.

On the other hand, Drug Court works. It has a 28 percent recidivism rate as
opposed to 55 percent to 75 percent. And 465 Brevard citizens broke the
chains of their addictions under the supervision of persons such as Judge
Warren Burk, described by Sweeney as one who "made a mockery of the
juvenile justice system."

Sweeney doesn't want "felons who rob to get a second chance." He seems
unaware that Drug Court does not adjudicate offenses other than drug
convictions.

It's simple. Imprison an addict and augment violent crime. Treat the addict
and reduce it.

My fear involves the influence of persons such as Sweeney who demand
"justice for the victims," while standing in queue for season tickets to
the gallows. Such attitudes ensure we will have no shortage of "victims"
for whom they seek vengeance. I ask that he, and politicians of like mind,
consider how many people are not victims because of Drug Court. An ounce of
prevention is worth a ton of punishment.

JIM TURNER, Merritt Island