NCJ Number
93964
Date Published
1983
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This paper surveys San Diego's strategies to handle public inebriates and describes its current approach, a short-term alcohol diversion program which sobers up drunks and offers a voluntary detoxification program.
Abstract
While California Penal Code 647(f) makes public intoxication a misdemeanor, enforcement is impeded by limited budgets and the limited interest of many inebriates in recovery. San Diego County has used three strategies over the past 15 years: (1) jail only, which was costly and ineffective; (2) a 3-day detox or jail effort; and (3) the present Inebriate Reception Center alternative to jail. In contrast to myths of public inebriety, the majority of IRC users are between 20 and 39, white, and male. Users of the unlocked IRC are usually escorted there by police and advised to remain for 4 hours or face arrest. The IRC tells the client about available recovery opportunities and arranges immediate admittance if the client is interested. Fees are charged, but no one is denied services due to inability to pay. The program's special strengths include its low cost, minimum allocation of limited funds for recovery to persons with no interest in recovery, linkages with a spectrum of recovery resources, and excellent working relationships with community agencies. Its principal weakness is a limited capacity to accept nonpolice or social service agency referrals. For related reports, see NCJ 93965-66.