San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris and Public Defender Jeff Adachi discussed "Progressive Solutions to Drug Crimes in San Francisco" on Tuesday, February 22nd. The event was presented by the Harvey Milk Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Democratic Club and moderated by Club president Greg Shaw. It took place in the Women's Building in San Francisco. The Club says that the debate will focus on effective and compassionate alternatives to prosecution and jail for drug-related crimes.

The Drug Court, which has been in existence for ten years, funnels about 200 people per year who face criminal prosecution for drug possession, small drug sales, and non-violent felonies into six-month drug rehabilitation and jobs programs. Harris's office says that while Drug Court has many success stories, many candidates are repeat offenders abusing the system. She claims that drug dealers and potentially violent criminals are avoiding jail by taking advantage of loopholes in a city program that diverts drug addicts out of prison and into rehabilitation, according to the District Attorney's Office. She has said that she wanted to exclude anyone with a history of drug dealing from Drug Court. "They'll go back to this revolving door, get arrested, spend time in jail, get out and can't work because of the conviction and go back to selling drugs," Public Defender Jeff Adachi said. He maintains that has seen no evidence of people abusing the program.

Read more | Harvey Milk Club website