NCJ Number
141430
Journal
Large Jails Network Bulletin Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: (August 1989) Pages: 8-9
Date Published
1989
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The Department of Detention in Broward County, Florida, views drug dependency as the root cause of much of the crime in communities.
Abstract
Broward County is situated in a major drug area, and the police are attempting to deal with the problem by arresting drug sellers and buyers. In addition, the Department of Detention focuses on reducing substance abuse. This department consists of 3 jails, with a total population of about 3,000. About 140 defendants are booked into the jail system daily. The jails have two programs that target drug dependency reduction: (1) the In Jail Substance Abuse Education and Intervention Program which uses counselors to screen interested applicants and conduct counseling and education sessions and (2) the Pretrial Services Unit which identifies and recommends to the court new prisoners appropriate for controlled release to the community while awaiting trial. Many defendants in the pretrial release program are substance abusers, but no condition is placed on their release requiring them to obtain drug-related assistance. Broward County commissioners have endorsed the concept of storefront drug counseling, and a counseling and intervention center is planned.