The value of drug courts

By Staff
Jan. 4, 2004
If Circuit Court Judge Vernon R. Cotten has anything to say about it, you will be hearing much more in the coming weeks on the issue of drug courts. He's initiated one in his Circuit Court district, which includes Neshoba, Newton, Leake and Scott counties, and a total of 13 drug courts are either in operation or in the planning stages in Mississippi.
The judge estimates the 8th Circuit Court District Drug Court needs about $150,000 annually to operate; so far, he's created the alternative venue pretty much on a wing and a prayer as money is sought through the Legislature, grants and foundations.
But he's on the right path, and Mississippi lawmakers would be wise to consider his views during the 2004 legislative session.
In outlining the program to the Philadelphia Rotary Club the other day, Cotten touched on a sensitive element that is always injected into the subject of drug courts, that somehow their creation is soft on crime.
Drug courts are for offenders charged with drug possession; dealers and violent offenders are not eligible. The court combines mandatory drug treatment overseen by the court as an alternative to going to prison. Treatment includes intensive drug testing, therapy and counseling over a five-year period in cooperation with mental health professionals. Education and community service aspects are involved, too. It is an effort at rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration.
But is this some "baby" court soft on crime? No.
We agree with Cotten that drug courts can be the last best hope to save people whose lives have been damaged by the scourge of drugs.
And what price can be put on that.