Pubdate: Tue, 28 Jan 2003
Source: Greenwood Commonwealth (MS)
Copyright: 2003 Greenwood Commonwealth
Contact:  http://www.gwcommonwealth.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1541
Author: Emily Wagster Pettus, Associated Press

PROPOSAL TO EXPAND DRUG COURTS GAINING SUPPORT FROM LAWMAKERS OF BOTH PARTIES

Proponents Say Program Saves Money, Saves Lives

JACKSON - A proposal to expand drug courts statewide is winning support 
from an unusual coalition of lawmakers - black and white, Democrat and 
Republican.

"Drug court saves money. It saves lives. It saves families. It saves 
communities," said Rep. Alyce Clarke, D-Jackson. A study released Monday by 
state Auditor Phil Bryant says Mississippi could save $5.4 million a year 
if 500 people successfully complete drug court programs instead of going to 
prison.

"This is not 'soft on crime.' This is a program that works," Bryant said 
during a news conference at the Capitol in Jackson.

Some circuit, county and youth court judges already are running drug court 
programs on their own and covering expenses with grant money. Participants 
in the programs go through drug treatment and other programs in hopes of 
reducing penalties they might face for criminal charges.

Bills filed this session would help create statewide standards for drug 
courts. The bills would provide $475,000 for the state Administrative 
Office of the Courts to hire four people to help with the program. There is 
no money to create new judgeships or to hire more staff members for judges 
already on the bench.

Money is tight this session, and legislative leaders have said there is 
little chance of new programs being created. Proponents say the state would 
save more than it would spend.

"The drug court saves lives and it saves money," said Rep. Jim Barnett, 
D-Brookhaven, who has watched drug court sessions in his home county.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin Pittman also supports expansion of drug 
court programs.

Circuit Judge Margaret Carey-McCray, whose district covers Washington, 
Sunflower and Leflore counties, said she had been in office only three 
weeks in 1999 when she saw a need for drug courts.

She said she had studied the system in Florida and saw that it helped 
people straighten out their lives.
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MAP posted-by: Beth