NCJ Number
202035
Journal
Perspectives Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2003 Pages: 38-41
Date Published
2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes recent legislation in California and Arizona that diverts nonviolent offenders who are arrested for personal-use drug possession away from prison and into treatment programs.
Abstract
Described as the most important criminal justice legislation since the three-strikes law, California’s Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000 (SACPA) has successfully diverted 5,192 individuals from prison and into drug treatment programs. The authors describe the eligibility requirements of the program and site a savings to the State of approximately $18,574,000 since the program was launched. The State of Arizona boasts similar drug treatment legislation, which saved the State approximately $6,711,464 during fiscal year 1999. The article examines the typical client profile for program participants, which show that participants tend to be 35-year-old males who are involved with methamphetamine or crack cocaine. Statistics on the program’s success at helping offenders remain drug and crime-free are presented and current issues facing drug treatment legislation are discussed. Finally, the article examines the future of such legislation and asserts that, when properly run and based on empirical evidence, drug treatment legislation has the potential to help both States and offenders. References