F R O M T H E S T A T E A T T O R N E Y A n d r e w H . W a r r e n - S t a t e A t t o r n e y f o r t h e T h i r t e e n t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t
sao takes new approach to Detrr Drug possession cases
a problem-solving approach to drug abuse prevents crime , saves money , and gives people suffering from addiction the help they need .
Research shows more than 80 % of all
crimes are tied to drugs or alcohol . With that in mind , we are taking a bold step at the Hillsborough State Attorney ’ s Office .
Our aim is to make treatment — not jail — the first stop for drug addicts arrested for drug possession through our new DETRR program .
We are using a clinical approach to address addiction , designed to create an overall increase in our community ’ s safety by dealing with the underlying issues that lead to much of our area ’ s criminal behavior .
DETRR , which stands for Drug Education & Treatment Reducing Recidivism , gives low-risk drug offenders who are accused of no other serious crimes an off-ramp out of the downward spiral of drug use , arrests , and incarceration . DETRR is limited to drug possession cases for low-risk , non-violent offenders ; it is not allowed for drug dealers , violent offenders , or anyone deemed high-risk .
DETRR embraces the well-established medical principle that , for offenders who suffer from substance abuse , treatment and rehabilitation are more successful at reducing repeat offenses and increasing public safety compared to a punishment-centered approach .
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