NCJ Number
135540
Date Published
1967
Length
140 pages
Annotation
Because one in every three arrests in the United States in 1965 were for public drunkenness, the President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice sought to examine existing methods of treating drunk offenders and to explore promising alternatives.
Abstract
Following an evaluation of drunk offenders and their impact on the criminal justice system, specific recommendations are offered to deal with the problem. Drunkenness in itself should not be a criminal offense, communities should establish detoxification units as part of comprehensive treatment programs, and communities should coordinate and extend aftercare resources to include supportive residential housing. Further, research by private and governmental agencies into alcoholism, the problems of alcoholics, and treatment methods should be expanded. Papers incorporated in the Commission's report as appendixes focus on public intoxication and the alcoholic offender, mind-altering drugs and dangerous behavior, St. Louis' proposal for funds to establish a detoxification center, arrests for public intoxication, court decisions on alcoholism, and major issues in developing community services for persons with drinking problems. References, footnotes, and tables