DRUG COURT EVERY COUNTY SHOULD PROVIDE GREAT PROGRAM

I am writing in response to the Dec. 1 editorial "Give drug court a
chance." I am a graduate of one of the many drug court programs in the
country. I was at bottom, and the courts gave me a chance of a lifetime. In
return for completion of a very intense drug and alcohol rehabilitation
program, the charges against me were dropped.

All that I have attained since then is thanks to this wonderful program.
Yes, it was difficult. Of the original 100 or so people in my "class," 20
of us graduated. Those who did graduate have gone on to a better life. We
have become productive citizens and effective parents. We also are 20 fewer
people clogging up the penal system.

When drug offenders are just sent to prison and then released, they often
re-offend. People who complete the drug court programs have a much lower
chance of committing a drug-related crime. Many stay clean and sober the
rest of their lives.

Milwaukee County needs to step up and get with the times. It needs the drug
court program. Every county should have it. Yes, there are extra costs
initially, but how does that really compare with the millions that the
state and county could save by helping people to become productive,
tax-paying citizens?

K. Louden

Waukesha