Well-tailored treatment program assists non-violent drug offenders F or years, Athens has regularly permitted a treatment option in place of a felony conviction for some first-time drug offenders. The program continues to generate controversy because of its perception as a lenient response to drug-related offenses, but a quick perusal of the qualifications an offender must meet to be eligible shows that it weeds out the more dangerous criminals. This, coupled with the growing nationwide problem of prisons being overcrowded with small-time drug offenders, justifies the use of programs like Athens'.
The treatment alternative in Athens is not an easily completed program. Treatment can span up to three years and can include group therapy and medication. Despite the toughness of the program, its success rate is promising. In a recent article for The Post, local officials estimated that more than 90 percent of individuals complete their treatment. By all accounts, the program is extremely effective and achieves its goals.
Individuals must apply to the program, meeting several criteria. The crime must be their first offense, but it cannot be a violent crime. If they have completed the program before or have been previously convicted of a felony, they are ineligible. This is by no means a program for which any would-be felons can simply sign up. The offenders must plead guilty to be admitted and face normal consequences if they fail treatment. If individuals are admitted, they have to show legitimate dedication to their rehabilitation to complete a program of such rigorous design. Three years is a huge commitment --not a simple escape from jail.
The continued use and creation of alternative treatment programs like Athens' could be a worthwhile response to the overcrowding of prisons in the United States. According to the Associated Press, 2.3 percent more inmates fill prisons this year than last. The number of inmates peaked at 2.1 million in 2002 and has steadily remained around the 2 million mark. This means that one of every 138 U.S. residents is incarcerated. Many inmates have committed no serious or violent crimes but are low-level drug offenders punished under poorly conceived mandatory minimum sentences. Drug treatment alternatives can help victimless criminals without unnecessary imprisonment.
Apt but overbroad Sex offender law should be more specific A s the nation's collective eyes watched the media coverage on the abduction and killings of two Florida girls -in separate and isolated incidents -Ohio legislators were amending state sexual offender laws, which now give authorities more power to evict sexual offenders from their homes if they live within 1,000 ft. of a school. Although the strengthening of the laws, which has gone widely unenforced in the past, is commendable in principle, it goes too broad in its wording and unfairly penalizes some individuals that have paid their debt to society.
The law, aimed at keeping sexual offenders who have previously assaulted children away from schools, meets the needs of concerned parents and is a necessary safeguard. However, when the law was rewritten, its wording also applied to sex offenders that were not guilty of harming children. Although it might seem like a small distinction, the law must be rewritten for a second time and be properly worded to exclude the latter group of offenders.
Attorney General Jim Petro has been criticized recently for the wording of the new law, and a lawyer for eight sex offenders -none convicted of assaulting children -has filed suit against him and other state officials. Although it is politically wise for Petro to be seen as taking a tough stand on the issue, he needs to admit that the amended law is too sweeping and needs to be tailored to fit the rights of all concerned parties. By rewording the law, the government can ensure that it distinguishes between the different types and classifications of sex offenders. That will keep those considered a threat to children as far from schools as possible, instead of merely forcing all offenders to comply with regulations only intended for a specific group.
17 Archives
The Post Editorial Board
