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NATION'S PROSECUTORS SUPPORT THE "PROSECUTION DRUG TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE TO PRISON ACT"
ALEXANDRIA, VA -- February 13, 2001 - Prosecutors strongly urge that the Senate pass the "Prosecution Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison Act," a key portion of the "Drug Abuse Education, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2001."
According to Robert M.A. Johnson, President of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), prosecutors believe that effective drug programs, such as those envisioned by this proposed Act, have been successful in bridging the gap between prosecutor and courts, and treatment and public health systems. This builds stronger cooperation -- and helps creates a bridge for prosecutors to work more closely and effectively with agencies, the community and the criminal justice system.
While NDAA supports the successful prosecution of all criminal violations it recognizes that effective programs for substance abusing offenders can reduce crime.
Because deterrence remains at the core of the criminal justice system, the key to successful alternative drug treatment plans is structuring them with performance-based accountability. Offenders who are substance abusers should be considered for these types of programs only when there is a reasonable likelihood of increasing public safety and reducing recidivism. The "Prosecution Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison Act" meets prosecutor's criteria in this regard.
The leadership of local prosecutors is essential to the effective operation of alternative approaches to drug programs in our communities. We believe that graduated sanctions -- up to and including incarceration and expulsion -- are necessary for an effective alternative program. However, these programs must be under the direction of the prosecutor in order to provide more comprehensive and closer supervision of substance abusing offenders. This Act, again, meets this important requirement.
NDAA, the nation's primary and most influential organization representing prosecuting attorneys strongly urges speedy passage of the "Prosecution Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison Act."
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