WHY IS STATE SLOW TO START DRUG COURTS?

Two separate but related news items made headlines on Friday. Digested
simultaneously, they illustrate Mississippi's flawed approach to crime and
punishment and fiscal responsibility.

The first issue involves funding for the state Department of Corrections.
According to DOC Commissioner Robert Johnson, his agency faces a $21
million shortfall in the 2003 fiscal year unless additional funds are
appropriated by the Legislature. Johnson cited regional prisons and the
confinement of state inmates in county jails as two areas, among others,
that could be drastically affected by the shortfall.

The second issue involves drug courts, which resurfaced again during
Circuit Judge Keith Starrett's testimony before a legislative committee.
Starrett told the House Juvenile Justice Committee on Thursday that
Mississippi could save millions of dollars each year by instituting youth
drug courts throughout the state.

"(The savings) multiply every year," said Starrett of the adult drug court
he started a few years ago in Lincoln, Pike and Walhall counties. "It's a
financial savings and a savings to families."

To date, Starrett's drug court is one of only four in the state.

Here's the bottom line: At the same time Mississippi is struggling to find
money to house inmates, state officials continue to reject pleas by
Starrett and others to implement one of the most efficient and
cost-effective programs ever devised.

This is unacceptable.

Drug courts are programs that allow those convicted of drug offenses to
choose between jail or treatment. If offenders opt for the latter, they
must meet a strict criteria: Attend weekly meetings, hold jobs, pass
regular drug tests and pay court costs. Drug dealers, sex offenders and
people convicted of violent crimes are not allowed to participate in the
program.

According to Starrett, it costs the state approximately $25,000 a year to
house an inmate in prison.

The drug court in Lincoln, Pike and Walthall counties costs about $125,000
a year to operate. But Starrett estimates the program has saved the state
more than $1 million in prison costs - and that's just the monetary
savings. Each graduating class represents dozens of individuals and
families that have been redeemed by the program.

While Mississippi struggles to house inmates, a proven, effective program
continues to be ignored.

Lawmakers need to answer one simple question: Why?