DRUG COURTS CATCHING ON ACROSS THE STATE

This newspaper has been a supporter of drug court since it was started
by Circuit Judge Keith Starrett in Lincoln, Walthall and Pike counties
in 1999. So we are pleased to note the idea is catching on statewide.

Five new drug courts, serving 11 counties across Mississippi, have
been proposed as a way for the cash-strapped prison system to save
more than $5 million a year. A state law that became effective July 1
allows the establishment of drug courts statewide.

A recent report by the state auditor found it costs about $16,800 a
year to keep a drug offender in prison, compared to $5,000 to go
through the drug court program. Five drug courts already operate in
the state, serving eight counties.

In drug court, criminal charges are dismissed if the defendant
completes the program of rehabilitation, intensive supervision and
regular drug-testing. The program is mostly for first-time offenders
and is not for people charged with selling drugs.

Starrett says that about nine of 10 people who have gone through his
drug court - 89 percent - have stayed drug clean and sober.