SOME DRUG OFFENDERS GET SECOND CHANCE

Alternative For Drug Offenders

Jackson Co. Gets A Drug Court

PASCAGOULA - Starting Oct. 1, Circuit Judge Robert Krebs will join a team
of advocates to facilitate the new Jackson County Drug Court, a
rehabilitation program designed to give drug users an alternative to jail time.

Krebs joins fellow Circuit Judge Kathy King Jackson, who after operating a
successful George-Greene Drug Court for more than a year, asked the Jackson
County Board of Supervisors earlier this year for support of a drug court
program here.

Supervisors allocated $50,000 toward the program. The Jackson County
Chamber of Commerce also worked to raise more than $40,000, plus pledges
for more. The program will cost about $150,000.

Krebs said he decided to become involved because he sees what drugs are
doing to the community.

"From what I've seen, drug court appears to be the best way for those
without a felony record to go," Krebs said. "By being in this program, they
don't cost taxpayers thousands of dollars, and at the same time, they
acquire a job, stay off drugs, and become productive citizens versus being
put off in a warehouse."

Krebs said he would start with about 15 people in the program, which takes
participants two years to complete.

The judge said his role will be to ensure participants stay drug free and
if they don't, "I will decide what their punishment will be, possibly jail
time."

He said participants are required to pass a drug test every week and hold a
job.

"I'm fortunate not to have anyone in my family on drugs, but I have friends
who have family members on drugs," Krebs said. "This is going to be a new
challenge for me, one I'm excited to be a part of."