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Is a "drunk tank" a wise and humane alternative sanction for public intoxication?

By Douglas A. Berman

The question in the title of this post is inspired by this interesting piece from the Houston Chronicle, which is headlined "Sober up, receive help and avoid a jail record; Drunk tank is humane, cheaper aid for alcoholics, some in city say."  Here is how the piece starts: Opening a sobering center ? a drunk tank where the 19,000 people picked up for public intoxication in the city every year could be taken in lieu of jail ? could save Houston money and help connect chronic alcoholics with the assistance they need, according to police, mental health advocates and a City Council member. While there is no formal proposal, proponents envision a center staffed by substance abuse professionals who could counsel alcoholics and connect them with the housing, treatment and other services...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on March 24, 2011 (boomark / email).