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Effective Approaches to Drug Crimes in Texas: Strategies to Reduce Crime, Save Money, and Treat Addiction

NCJ Number
242328
Author(s)
Caitlin Dunklee; Travis Leete, J.D.; Jorge Antonio Renaud, M.S.S.W.
Date Published
January 2013
Length
28 pages
Annotation
After examining how Texas' sentencing policies for drug possession have led to costly prison overcrowding, this report proposes strategies for achieving a cost-effective approach that relies on community-based substance abuse treatment.
Abstract
One recommended approach is for probation departments to implement localized "commitment reduction plans" that will safely reduce the number of individuals who are sent to prison. This can be done by funding collaborative strategies with local treatment practitioners and other stakeholders. A second recommendation is to use a system-wide risk-assessment instrument with individuals from sentencing through parole. This will produce modifications at each processing stage to account for relevant factors that determine an individual's risk to public safety. A third recommendation is to revise policies in ways that encourage pretrial diversion for low-level drug offenses, so that substance abusers can avoid felony convictions and obtain the treatment they need to become responsible citizens. A fourth recommendation is to increase investments in safe, cost-effective alternatives to incarceration, including treatment and community-based programs proven to be effective. A fifth recommendation is to use swift and certain graduated sanctions for drug-related community supervision violations that encourage compliance with supervision conditions and prevent revocation for a positive urinalysis. A sixth recommendation is to ensure that staff throughout the criminal justice system - including probation and parole practitioners as well as corrections staff - are adequately trained in substance abuse and mental health issues so as to better meet the needs of those they supervise. 136 notes