A penological perspective on the handling of the drug offender

Abstract

Drug policy and the treatment of drug offenders' is an area that receives much attention worldwide. Because of the authorities' apparent inability to deal with this form of crime, it has universally been deemed necessary to look generally at the punishment of this category of offender and specifically at alternative methods to deal with these perpetrators. An extensive study of drug treatment approaches and models used by various countries merely highlights and emphasises the need for the creation and implementation of a suitable treatment modality for drug offenders. Other countries do not and cannot offer solutions to South Africa's dilemma in the handling of its large offender population. It is for this reason that the researcher has selected workable aspects from various systems in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary management approach to the handling of drug offenders in the South African context. The researcher utilises certain components of the systems theory to describe the manner in which the criminal justice system processes drug offenders. For this purpose, the researcher uses the systems theory as a framework for the application of the drug model that takes place on all levels within the criminal justice system. The researcher aims to use existing drug policy to form the basis of the drug model, and sets structural and procedural guidelines for dealing with this category of offender. The researcher furthermore calls for the implementation of such a model.