"Since its authorization in the President's 1994 Crime Act, the drug court
program has demonstrated the value of its niche in the criminal justice
system," said Attorney General Janet Reno. "Drug courts have a strong track
record showing how the leverage of the courts helps drugaddicted offenders
accept their addictions, get treatment, and live better lives. Drug courts
are helping individuals become stronger and communities become safer."

Research continues to show that drug courts reduce recidivism. The "Summary
Assessment of the Drug Court Experience," recently released by the American
University's Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project,
reports that criminal justice professionals estimate that at least 45 percent
of defendants convicted of drug possession will commit a similar offense
within two to three years. In comparison, recidivism rates among drug court
participants have ranged between 5 and 28 percent, based on the variables
associated with the population targeted by the drug court.

Earlier this year, the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) awarded approximately
$16 million to help 79 communities begin planning drug courts, 37 communities
start new initiatives, and 12 communities improve or enhance existing drug
courts.

"Drug courts give nonviolent offenders a chance to stop using drugs and make
a contribution to their communities," said OJP Assistant Attorney General
Laurie Robinson. "Drug courts treat offenders and provide them with the
skills and, in some cases, the education they need to obtain employment while
living drugfree lives. These individuals are given a choice drugfree
and crimefree lives or jail and a majority choose to go straight."

The Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project also reports
that there are operational drug courts in 38 states, the District of
Columbia, and one territory. In addition, since 1995, 11 states have either
enacted or have under consideration legislation dealing with establishing or
funding for drug courts. One state has implemented a statewide drug court
program.

The grants announced today, and some made earlier this year, include OJP's
Native American Drug Court initiative. This year OJP has awarded over $1
million to support 10 drug court planning grants and seven drug court
implementation grants to Native American Tribes under this initiative.

In Fiscal Year 1995, the first year of the program, OJP provided grants to 64
communities totaling over $8 million to help 52 communities start drug
courts, five to implement new initiatives, and 12 to expand previously
established drug court efforts. In FY 1996, the Department made 16
additional implementation and enhancement grants totaling $8.5 million
bringing the total amount spent on the program since its inception to about
$45 million.

Drug Courts use drug testing to ensure that program participants stay
drugfree. Participants are subject to sanctions for failing to comply with
their treatment regimens and receive incentives for progress. Continued
failure to comply with program rules results in expulsion from the program
and incarceration.

A list of grantees, contacts, and the amounts that will be awarded is
attached. To obtain additional information about the drug court program,
please see the Drug Court Program Office's Web site at:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/dcpo.

SOURCE Office of Justice Programs

CO: Office of Justice Programs

ST: District of Columbia

IN:

SU: EXE

07/22/97 20:21 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com