NCJ Number
85765
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Arrests of inebriates in Virginia places a burden on the time and limited resources of law enforcement agencies, magistrates, and judges.
Abstract
Arrested inebriates average from 26-53 percent of all jail commitments, helping to account for Virginia's overcrowded jails. Many inebriates cannot afford to pay their fines and cannot be jailed, under Virginia law, for failure to pay. Inebriates are recidivists who often prefer going to jail instead of staying outside since as many as 77 percent are homeless. Jail is an expensive and time-consuming means of dealing with inebriates. Processing time and medical costs are high. Localities should set up 'sobering up stations' to feed and care for this population. The inebriates can be transported to the center by the police, private citizens, the detoxification center, or the inebriates themselves. These programs will relieve overcrowding and provide effective crisis and survival care. No references are cited.