Pubdate: Mon, 11 Jul 2005
Source: Muskogee Daily Phoenix (OK)
OPINION01/507110314/1014/NEWS17
Copyright: 2005 Muskogee Daily Phoenix
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Website: http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3319
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)

FUNDING OF DRUG COURTS ONLY HALF THE STATE BATTLE

Now that Oklahoma has increased the funding for the state's drug 
court program this year, taxpayers should expect results from their investment.

A study by the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Resource Center early this 
month concluded Oklahoma's drug court per capita funding now tops 
that of 34 other states with similar programs. Drug court funding in 
Oklahoma now stands at $11.5 million, triple the budget for last year.

Many for some time in the state have called for increased funding for 
rehabilitation programs, as opposed to increased incarceration for 
those convicted of crimes involving drug use. More than a year ago, 
the Oklahoma Sentencing Commission proposed several recommendations 
to the Legislature involving improved probation services, 
intermediate sanctions for offenders on probation instead of 
revocation and an expansion of substance abuse treatment programs.

The commission also reported in February 2004 that Oklahoma was 
spending less than half the U.S. average rate per offender on 
parole/probation supervision.

We are glad to see that problem fixed.

But we all know simply throwing money at a problem is only half the 
solution. Money in governmental programs has a way of getting lost 
and being misused and wasted. So now the state must utilize that 
money effectively and give a strict accounting for it to legislators, 
who should take an active role in checking up on these programs.

Taxpayers usually don't mind paying taxes if they know their money is 
providing services and improving the quality of life. But if the 
state can't show results, you can bet cries will be heard - even as 
soon as the next legislative session - to stop pouring money down an 
open drain.
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MAP posted-by: Beth