MBA pushes treatment over jail time

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A new report from the Massachusetts Bar Association reveals that the state could save millions of dollars by pushing non-violent drug offenders towards treatment rather than jail time. But, Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott disagrees with this finding.

Chief Scott told 22News: "It's attorney's trying to benefit their clients. I'm trying to protect the tax paying, law abiding citizens. [These] citizens are better served when criminals are off the street and behind bars."

The MBA argues that diverting non-violent drug offenders towards treatment rather than incarceration could save the commonwealth and estimated$8 million a year.

But Chief Scott said the price will be pushed onto the public since this could increase non-violent crimes like car theft and home burglaries.

Roland Rivest of Springfield told 22News: "Even if they're non-violent, if they're stealing something then they should be in prison."

However, Bill Phelps of Easthampton said: "You need to look at it by a case by case basis. But I think the focus should be on treatment."

Chief Scott told 22News that he isn't ruling out treatment for drug offenders. He just believes it should be administered in prison away from law abiding citizens.