DRUG COURTS

Chief Justice Adds Credible Voice

The case for a statewide system of drug courts to steer drug users from a
life of crime and addiction was bolstered this past week by Mississippi
Supreme Court Chief Justice Ed Pittman.

As the featured speaker for a drug court rehabilitation program in Magnolia
last week, Pittman called for drug courts statewide, noting their
effectiveness and cost-savings.

The benefits are twofold, the chief justice said: 1) taxpayers don't have
to pay to house drug offenders in prison; 2) by offering drug treatment and
supervised probation, the program can turn offenders around and so they can
support themselves and their families.

These claims are backed by facts. According to Attorney General Mike Moore,
a longtime advocate, about 6,000 people - a third of the state's prison
population - are serving time for drug offenses. It has been estimated that
diverting 40 people to drug court saves $1 million in prison costs.

In these tight budget times, a relatively small investment in state funds
could result big savings - not only in dollars paid by taxpayers, but in
salvaging wasted lives.

Pittman could be a powerful voice for getting the notice of state lawmakers
who for years have declined to invest in drug courts. Despite the lack of
state funding, except on pilot programs, they have proliferated.

First established by Circuit Judge Keith Starrett in Pike, Lincoln and
Walthall counties, they are now found in Hinds, Leflore, Sunflower and
Washington counties. Plans are under way for drug courts in George and
Greene counties.

Residents in rural and urban areas should have the option.