Local drug court graduates 5 as national commencement day marked

Five persons graduated from the 29th Judicial District's drug court on Friday.

They weren't the only ones honored for kicking a drug addiction and staying out of trouble. Friday was National Drug Court Commencement Day and drug courts in 33 states held graduation ceremonies.

The local drug court program began in December 2006 and has graduated 11 persons since then, drug court Coordinator Rob Hammond said.

Participants generally complete six months of incarceration before being joining the drug court. They work their way through three phases of counseling, weekly court appearances and house arrest. They gradually earn freedom and responsibilities with the goal of becoming productive citizens. On average, it takes a person 12 to 18 months to complete the program.

Participants submit to frequent drug screens and could serve additional jail time if they test positive. Participants who excel are given incentives, such as certificates of achievement and even gift cards to local businesses.

Hammond credited the continued judicial intervention - the fact that participants must face a judge every week - as the key to success.

"During the course of treatment, we try to change the way they think," Hammond said. "If we can treat the addiction, their criminal activity tapers off to nothing."

None of the 11 persons who've graduated so far have been charged with any additional offenses, he said.

The nation's first drug court was established in Miami/Dade County, Fla., 10 years ago this month. As of December 2008, 2,301 drug courts were operational nationwide and serving an average of 120,000 persons annually.

Statistics show drug courts are cost effective, Hammond said. For every dollar spent on a drug court program, the community enjoys a $3.36 return in crime reduction, increased productivity and additional tax revenues.