Objectives of the Maricopa County Demand Reduction Program include creating a community-wide awareness of the severity of the drug problem and alerting drug users to the increased risk of legal sanctions and adopting a zero- tolerance position of user accountability, namely increased and coordinated law enforcement activity combined with either full prosecution or diversion to treatment in lieu of prosecution. The only evidence of substantial program impact is in the increased use of deferred prosecution which serves to "widen the net" by bringing into treatment individuals who otherwise would not have been retained in the criminal justice system. Demand reduction has produced no apparent changes in the level of enforcement or the resolution of drug cases. Those who agree to enter the treatment component, especially individuals who complete the treatment program, show a significantly slower return to future criminal offenses. 12 figures
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