Tennessee Code Title 33. Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities § 33-10-403

(a) It is the policy of this state that intoxicated persons should be afforded a continuum of treatment so they might lead normal lives as productive members of society.

(b) The general assembly finds that alcoholism and intoxication are matters of statewide concern.

(c) The general assembly recognizes the character and pervasiveness of alcohol abuse and alcoholism and that public intoxication and alcoholism are health problems that should be handled by public health rather than criminal procedures, when proper facilities, procedures and services as defined and set forth in this part are available.

(d) The general assembly finds that this health problem has been seriously neglected and that the costs and the waste of human resources caused by alcohol abuse and alcoholism are massive, tragic and no longer acceptable.

(e) The general assembly finds that the best interests of this state demand a locally-oriented attack on the massive alcohol abuse and alcoholism problem.

(f) The general assembly finds that the handling of intoxicated persons as criminals contributes to jail overcrowding and the consumption of resources needed for the handling of more serious and violent matters.

(g) The general assembly finds that there is a need for alternative programs in this state for the detention and treatment of persons intoxicated or incapacitated by alcohol.