DRUG COURTS - PROGRAM VALID DESPITE PROBLEMS

The Hinds County Drug Court has had its share of problems, but it is a
much-needed program that should be improved and expanded.

The state auditor's office has finished a review that pointed out some
shortcomings, but overall gave it good marks.

The court seeks to deal with drug crimes by placing first-time offenders in
treatment rather than traditional punishment, such as jail.

Unfortunately, the program so far has a success rate of less that 20
percent. That's certainly not good enough, but it also means that those 20
percent are not sitting in a jail cell somewhere at taxpayer expense with
little hope of rehabilitation.

Most of the people in prison have drug and alcohol problems. Treatment for
those conditions should be an important part of any program.

The Hinds County Drug Court program, however, targets those first-time
offenders who might be turned from a life of crime and addiction.

It makes sense to stress solving the long-term problem rather than
providing short-term punishment.

The biggest problem in Hinds County has been a lack of stability in the
judge position that oversees the program. Hinds County Circuit Judge L.
Breland Hilburn had appointed a special judge to oversee the program, but
the judge resigned after residency questions were raised. Hilburn took it
over, but now is retiring.

The Drug Court system needs commitment on the part of local officials and
the court and the community to begin making the kind of strides of which it
is capable.

Hilburn should see that the court makes a steady transition when he leaves
and that it receives the kind of attention it needs. Its record must be
closely monitored and improvements made to cure discovered shortcomings.

Drug courts can save taxpayers money and, most important, people's lives.
It's worth the intense effort it seems to require to get the program going
as it should.