Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2003 Source: Macomb Daily, The (MI) Copyright: 2003 The Macomb Daily Contact: http://www.macombdaily.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2253 Author: Jameson Cook Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) COMET DONATES $25,000 TO NEW DRUG COURT The county's anti-drug policing agency is donating $25,000 from property confiscated in drug busts to the new drug court in Macomb County Circuit Court. "There was a dire need for funds for the drug court," said Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel. "This money will go to treatment programs and things to keep an eye on drug offenders." The court, organized late last year as part of the Macomb circuit court, is designed to provide alternatives to jail or prison for defendants who abuse drugs and show signs of being able to overcome their addiction. Judges Deborah Servitto and James Biernat conduct special sessions once a week during the evening hours, keeping running contact with defendants who must complete treatment programs that last for many months. The new program has about six people so far, and more should be assigned in the coming months and years. A juvenile version of the court has been in place for about three years. Judge Servitto, a staunch supporter, said she appreciates not only the monetary donation from the County of Macomb Enforcement Team, but that COMET officials realize that treating drug abusers will help reduce drug-related crime and the number of drug customers. "The significance of this gift is much greater than the money alone," Servitto said. "It indicates a resolution by law enforcement that successful reduction of drug usage in this community can only occur with treatment and intense supervision. "It is gratifying to know that these officers on the front line of defense know how important it is to solve the underlying problem of substance abuse." The court is funded with state money through Macomb County Community Corrections. But Hackel said the funds are limited, and community corrections must spread its budget of less than $2 million to support many activities in the county justice system. The donated funds come from COMET's forfeitures, in which the agency gains ownership of cash from drug sales and items purchased with drug money. Typically, the money replenishes COMET's enforcement efforts. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin