NCJ Number
70857
Date Published
1980
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This guide is intended to provide local oficials with information on their responsibilities and options after the decriminalization of public intoxication in Nebraska.
Abstract
The Uniform Alcoholism and Intoxication Treatment Act creates a State agency to deal with alcoholism and to set standards for treatment programs, provides for the funding of alcoholism services, establishes procedures for the involuntary care of alcoholics, and decriminalizes public intoxication. The decriminalization bill and an accompanying amendment enable law enforcement oficers to remove intoxicated or otherwise incapacitated persons from a roadway or any public property to any hospital, clinic, alcoholism center, or medical doctor in order to preserve life or to prevent injury. However, if other crimes have ben committed by intoxicated persons, they may still be arrested or prosecuted for them. Individual chapters focus on the Nebraska Mental Health Commitment Act; the law enforcement perspective; a discussion of alcohol and alcoholism; services for alcoholics in the State; and the responsibilities and options for hospitals. Appendixes contain the full texts of the decriminalization bill and amendment and listings, by region, of specialized alcoholism services.