DRUG COURT MAKING DIFFERENCE IN SHELBY CO.

While Jackson works toward a drug court, Shelby County is reaping the
benefits of its own.

A recent drug court study by the University of Memphis revealed that the
re-arrest record for graduates of the program is 24 percent, compared to 80
percent who go through the regular judicial system.

"It is a big difference," said Tonya Price, Shelby County Drug Court
coordinator. "Memphis' drug court has made a significant impact on the
community."

Shelby County's drug court was established in 1997 as a part-time court.
Cases would be held once a week. In 2000, the court became full-time and
reviewed cases three times each week.

"The main key is accountability," drug court Judge Tim Dwyer said.
"Traditionally, you don't see them again unless they are re-arrested or
violated their probation."

In drug court, judges see the "clients" on a weekly basis and verify they
are going through the treatment program, attending Alcoholics or Narcotics
Anonymous meetings and have negative drug screens, said Dwyer, who handles
drug court in general sessions criminal court in Shelby County.

"If they are not complying, immediate sanctions or punishments are
imposed," he said.

That can include community service hours or jail time.

But before the judge sees the defendant or client, the drug court team
meets to discuss each case. But the judge has the final decision.

The team includes the judge, drug court coordinator, district attorney,
public defender, treatment providers, probation officers and other law
enforcement officers.

After the closed door meeting, the clients meet with the judge on a casual
level.

"The judge comes down off the bench and he takes his robe off and shakes
hands with them," Price said. "If they are doing good, he gives them a pat
on the back. If they are doing bad, he'll fuss at them and give them
sanctions or lock them up."

Dwyer said the casual setting allows him to relate with clients on a
personal level.

"I know them by name and by face and I know something about them," he said.
"When they realize the judge is interested in their recovery, it increases
their success of the program."

"The main key is accountability," drug court Judge Tim Dwyer said.
"Traditionally, you don't see them again unless they are re-arrested or
violated their probation."

In drug court, judges see the "clients" on a weekly basis and verify they
are going through the treatment program, attending Alcoholics or Narcotics
Anonymous meetings and have negative drug screens, said Dwyer, who handles
drug court in general sessions criminal court in Shelby County.

"If they are not complying, immediate sanctions or punishments are
imposed," he said.