Can the criminal justice system ever hope to provide the treatment and services that drug offenders need?

Question

Instructions

Despite the criminal justice system’s efforts, drug offenders do not always receive the treatment and services they need.  One alternative involves diverting drug offenders out of the criminal justice system and into treatment instead.

This activity addresses module outcome 4. Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

MO4: Evaluate the role of the criminal justice system in the prevention of the abuse or misuse of drugs. (CO5)

Consider what you have learned about the criminal justice system’s efforts to address the problem of drug abuse amongst the offender population. One suggestion to ensure that drug offenders receive the treatment they need is to divert them out of the criminal justice system entirely if they do not pose a threat to public safety.

Respond to the following:

Can the criminal justice system ever hope to provide the treatment and services that drug offenders need?

Should drug offenders who do not pose a threat to public safety be diverted out of the criminal justice system entirely?  Justify your response.5