Drug Treatment and Punishment

* I was very disappointed when the citizens of Ventura County voted to treat drug possessors instead of jailing them. Because the drug courts were already established, why didn’t we just divert more money into that system and strengthen the marriage of correctional and mental health services? Why do we need to create a whole new infrastructure to do the same job?

Whether you like it or not, drug possession is a crime and, frankly, drug users are notorious for committing other crimes. I support treatment too--while people who are convicted of possession are serving their time. Mental and behavioral health services enhance the chances of rehabilitation and decrease recidivism and should be a strong component of our correctional services.

I’m also disappointed in the supervisors who are fighting the Sheriff’s Department for its money. Crime has declined so dramatically because of increased funding, arrests and convictions and longer sentences. The bad guys are in jail instead of out here molesting us. This is a good thing, people.

Why are you all so determined to screw this good thing up?

MARY BRANNING

Ventura