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Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Massachusetts to Bring Drug-Sniffing Dogs to State Prisons
Massachusetts will soon bring drug-sniffing dogs to 17 state prisons, according to Boston Magazine. The dogs will sniff visiting areas and visitors.
If the dog detects drugs, the visitor must consent to a thorough
search by Department of Corrections (DOC) staff. Anyone refusing to be
searched will not be allowed to enter the facility. Alternate
arrangements will be made for people who have dog allergies or who are
“dog phobic,” the magazine notes.
In a statement,
the DOC says the dogs are Labrador and Golden Retrievers chosen for
their gentle natures. “These dogs are always on a leash and handled by
trained personnel, who will walk them past the line of visitors. They
have been carefully trained to detect the presence of drugs by smell and
to alert their handlers to that detection by merely sitting down.” The
dogs do not bark, snarl or lunge at people suspected of having drugs,
the statement notes. A video demonstrates how the dogs will be used to detect drugs.
The dog searches will be random, and will begin at the two prisons
with the highest rates of visitors who try to bring in drugs. The
procedure will not apply to volunteers, contractors and attorneys
visiting their inmate clients.
Lois Ahrens, Executive Director of the Real Cost of Prisons Project,
says the new drug-sniffing dog policy is “demeaning, degrading, and
treats the visitor as a suspect.”
Visitors currently go through a scanner before entering a state
prison. They are often asked to take off articles of clothing such as
shoes and belts. Visitors are sometimes asked to open their mouth, or a
DOC staff person may examine their hair.
In March, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that police must first obtain a search warrant before bringing drug-sniffing police dogs onto a suspect’s property to look for evidence.
May 20
Psalm 65:7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
The two boys stood out on the rocks, looking at the crashing waves.
They tried to shout above the roar of the surf, but finally gave up. The
water thundered as it hit the rocks. Both boys were a little frightened
and a little thrilled by the deafening sound.
When we get a little cocky and conceited, a trip to the ocean can bring
us back to reality really fast. The water rolls into shore in great,
whitecapped waves, hits the rocks, sending spray high into the air, and
crates a noise that obliterates every other sound. The sound of the
water on the rocks is the voice of God thundering out through creation,
"it is good!" Human beings in all their wisdom and genius have created
nothing to compare with the least of God's creations. His power, might,
and majesty humble us and help us to remember that He alone is God.
Prayer: Show forth Your might through Your creation, O
Lord. Remind me of Your greatness and power throughout the day. You are
wonderful, Lord, and I thank You that I can worship You. Amen.
Own Your Own Copy of this Devotional
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Commentary: Drug Courts’ Positive Effects on Families and Society
Jails and prisons in America are overflowing with people
who suffer from substance use disorders. In fact, more than three
quarters of inmates have either been arrested for a drug- or
alcohol-related crime, have been intoxicated at the time of their
arrest, have a history of regular drug or alcohol use, or have
previously received drug or alcohol treatment.
Despite what most people think, the association between drugs and
criminal behavior is not solely due to people committing crimes to
further their drug habit. Drug use is actually a factor in many crimes
that have nothing to do with obtaining money for drugs. In fact, drug
use is implicated in 50 percent of violent crimes, 50 percent of
instances of domestic violence and 80 percent of child abuse and neglect
cases. Historically, policies addressing substance abuse and crime have
shifted back and forth between either using treatment or using criminal
sanctions. But research indicates that a more balanced approach that
incorporates both treatment and criminal justice supervision is more
effective.
This is where drug courts come in. Drug courts are specialized courts
that offer people arrested for drug-related crimes an opportunity to
obtain community-based treatment coupled with close judicial supervision
as a way of avoiding sentencing and potential incarceration. By
successfully completing this voluntary program, individuals have the
potential to avoid criminal penalties and even have the arrest erased
from their permanent record. Drug courts represent a criminal justice
approach that takes into account the need to ensure public safety
through close supervision, and public health through the delivery of
community-based treatment. They are among the most effective ways to
address the problem of substance abuse and crime.
Drug courts improve people’s lives in a variety of ways. They have
been shown to increase rates of employment, help people obtain stable
living arrangements, improve mental and physical health, and enhance
interpersonal relationships. The improvements to the individual, their
community and society are almost too numerous to mention.
Perhaps one of the most important and far-reaching effects of a drug
court, which is often overlooked, is the positive impact it has on
families who have been negatively affected by their loved one’s
addiction. These families often face poverty, strained or broken
relationships and separation from spouses or parents. The positive
healing and restorative effects of drug courts on the family are
dramatic.
One need only talk to a drug court alumnus, go to a drug court graduation or attend an annual National Association of Drug Court Professionals
conference to witness these effects. As a result of drug courts,
mothers and fathers can regain custody of their children, provide for
their families and become productive members of their community. The
personal evolution that many drug court participants undergo is nothing
short of astounding.
As we approach the end of National Drug Court Month, we should
continue to recognize the important role that drug courts serve in
helping individuals and families overcome the devastating effects of
addiction.
David S. Festinger, PhD, is Director of Treatment
Research Institute’s Section on Law & Ethics Dr. Festinger holds a
PhD in clinical psychology, Masters Degrees in both counseling and
clinical health psychology, and is a licensed clinical psychologist.
Karen Leggett Dugosh, PhD, is a Research Scientist for
Treatment Research Institute’s Section on Law & Ethics. Dr. Dugosh
holds MS and PhD degrees in Experimental Psychology.
Treatment Research Institute
is a non-profit research and development organization focused on
improving substance abuse programs and policies. TRI researchers have
conducted seminal research around the efficacy of drug courts and have
developed tools that support effective management of substance abusing
offenders.
Georgia “Generation Rx” Campaign Aimed at Curbing Teen Prescription Drug Abuse
Georgia launched a campaign this week, “Generation Rx,” aimed at preventing prescription drug abuse in teens and young adults.
The campaign is funded through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, according to the Associated Press.
It is focused on 12- to 25-year-olds. The campaign includes education
and awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse, and promotes
Georgia’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. It also features
education about how to properly dispose of unused and expired
medications, and collaboration with law enforcement to eliminate
improper prescribing practices.
In a statement,
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Commissioner Frank Berry said, “The abuse of prescription drugs by youth
in Georgia and across the country has grown substantially since the
1990s. Every day, 2,500 youth aged 12 to 17 abuse a prescription pain
reliever for the first time, and nearly 20 percent of teens report
abusing medications that were not prescribed to them.
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