EDWARDS DESERVES HONORS PAID BY DRUG COURT GROUP

Issue: Tribute paid to Jules Edwards, chief judge of the 15th Judicial
District.

We Suggest: He has played a major role in making the drug courts successful.

A recent tribute paid to Jules Edwards, chief judge of the 15th Judicial
District, by the Association of Drug Court Professionals was well deserved.
Edwards presides over the highly productive drug court and has developed
innovative procedures to enhance its effectiveness.

The drug court, which Edwards helped to establish in this district, has
been a major asset in reducing crime and recidivism.

It makes more sense for offenders with alcoholism and drug addiction
problems to be treated with drug-court intervention programs than to
continue swelling our immense prison population. Drug courts have reported
that up to 80 percent of the offenders treated have stayed out of trouble
after treatment. The 25 drug courts around the state saved the state almost
$30 million over the cost of incarcerating the 2,300 program participants
in the past two years. Costs related to victimization, theft, public
assistance and medical claims are also affected.

We join in saluting Edwards for his leadership in establishing, developing
and presiding over the program.