Sobering Center Planned Instead Of Jail In Houston

By: Associated Press Email

Posted: Wed 9:38 AM, Feb 29, 2012

People accused of being drunk in public in Houston will have an alternative to jail.

City officials on Tuesday announced plans for a so-called "sobering center" at the Star of Hope Mission.

Mayor Annise Parker says jailing people whose only crime is public intoxication diverts law officers from more serious offenses. Parker also hopes to ease jail crowding.

Houston police arrest about 19,000 people annually for public intoxication, at a jail cost of up to $6 million.

About $3 million in public safety bonds will be used for the 84-bed sobering center, opening by late 2012.

The facility would not be for suspected drunken drivers or anyone with outstanding warrants. Detainees would be held at least four hours, to sober up and avoid an arrest record.

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Sobering Center Planned Instead Of Jail In Houston

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