In the zone. (Letters).

John Gould ("Zone Defense," June) argues that "drug-free" school zones which engulf entire cities have done little other than contribute to racially disproportionate incarceration rates. Government statistics support Gould's argument. Blacks and whites use drugs at roughly the same rates. Although only 15 percent of the nation's drug users are black, blacks account for 37 percent of those arrested for drug violations, more than 42 percent of those in federal prisons for drug violations, and almost 60 percent of those in state prisons for drug felonies. Support for the failed drug war would end overnight if white suburbanites were incarcerated for drugs at the same rate as minorities.

But racially disproportionate incarceration rates are not the only cause for alarm. Prisons transmit violent habits and values rather than reduce them. Putting non-violent drug offenders behind bars with violent criminals is a dangerous proposition. Minor drug offenders are eventually released, with dismal job prospects due to criminal records. Turning recreational drug users into unemployable ex-cons is not a good use of tax dollars. At present there is a glaring double standard in place. Alcohol and tobacco are by far the deadliest recreational drugs, yet the government does not go out of its way to destroy the lives of drinkers and smokers. Imagine if every alcoholic were thrown in jail and given a permanent criminal record. How many lives would be destroyed? How many families torn apart? How many tax dollars would be wasted turning potentially productive members of society into hardened criminals?

ROBERT SHARPE, M.P.A.
Program Officer, Drug Policy Alliance