Money Needed to Implement Calif. Prop. 36 December 8, 2000
News Summary
Before San Francisco, Calif., can implement the voter-approved Proposition 36, an immediate infusion of $1.5 million is needed, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Nov. 30.According to San Francisco's chief adult probation officer, Armando Cervantes, the city will need significant upgrades to meet the requirements of Proposition 36. "I need your help. I need all of your help," said Cervantes during a drug policy meeting of local and state law enforcers, politicians, community leaders and drug treatment workers in San Francisco. "We're talking about a whole revolution in terms of our probation system."
Proposition 36 requires probation and drug treatment instead of jail time for possession, use or transportation of illegal drugs.
Officials said the problem is being experienced statewide as thousands more drug offenders inundate an already overworked system.
The meeting included comments from Shannon Slattery, a deputy public defender in Arizona's Maricopa County, which implemented a similar law in 1996. "To say it has been an uphill battle and a learning experience would be an understatement," she said.
Proposition 36 is scheduled to take effect in six months, and it appears that San Francisco is way ahead of the rest of the state in trying to determine how to implement the measure.
"It's going to be more difficult here," said Zack Del Pra, deputy chief of probation in Arizona's Maricopa County. "I don't know how effective you can be in providing treatment to this population."
When the legislature is back in session, David DeAlba, special assistant to the attorney general, said asking for funds for probation and drug testing will be top priorities. "Without adequate probation support," he said, "Proposition 36 will be difficult to implement."
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