Yellowknife (Sep 12/03) - The justice system needs to re-evaluate the way it treats people with fetal alcohol syndrome said a Lethbridge police officer renowned for his work with FAS sufferers.

Const. Jim Olsen was in Yellowknife to lead a two-day workshop on FAS and the law when he spoke with Yellowknifer on Tuesday.

"Traditional punishments usually aren't effective when you deal with FAS patients," said Olsen.

"It's important for people involved in the justice system to understand that and (implement) alternate sentencing."

FAS is a mental disorder caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. The severity of FAS varies from patient to patient and symptoms include memory lapses, learning disabilities and anti-social behaviour.

The two-day event was sponsored by the Salvation Army, the John Howard Society and the Yellowknife Association for Community Living.

Over 116 people from across the NWT attended the workshop, which was designed to help social groups spread the word about FAS.

"I'm really happy with the way the workshop turned out," said Doreen Baptiste, FAS coordinator at the Association for Community Living.

"But I'm saddened by the fact that we still have to deal with FAS, which is an entirely preventable disease."

Some organizers were disappointed that representatives from the RCMP and Crown Attorney's office didn't attend the workshop.

Olsen said it was important for social workers and justice employees to work together in the fight against FAS.

"We have to address the stigma behind the disease and make sure law enforcement officials understand that FAS is a mental disorder," said Olsen.

"That's the biggest challenge."