    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [April 26, 1998]
    [Page 622]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Drug Use By Prison Inmates
    April 26, 1998

        The report on jail inmates released today by the Justice Department
    confirms the urgent need for Government at all levels to pursue a policy
    of coerced abstinence for drug offenders. The report shows that more
    than half of these criminals used drugs in the month prior to their
    arrest. We have an obligation to install a tough system of testing,
    treatment, and punishment for drug offenders to prevent them from
    returning to the streets with dangerous drug habits intact. Congress can
    take the lead by adopting my administration's proposals to promote
    coerced abstinence throughout the criminal justice system.

    Note: This statement was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on April 25 but was embargoed for release until 4:30 p.m. on
    April 26.