TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - Tucson residents have told the city council to do something about public drug use, and one member is bringing up a new idea.

Nikki Lee wants to study a misdemeanor charge for public drug use in the interest of both public safety and helping those who need addiction treatment.

“It’s a way to catch it before it turns into a bigger problem,” said Nicholas Newmark, a case manager for Tucson’s Community Safety, Health and Wellness Division under the city manager.

Newmark has a first-person understanding of the need to get those suffering from addiction in touch with treatment.

“I myself have experienced both addiction and homelessness,” Newmark said.

The council will study a possible misdemeanor for drug use in public spaces aimed at both improving public safety a

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