BENEFITS OF 'DRUG COURT' TO BE DISCUSSED

The benefits of a "drug court" in Washington County will be the topic of a
town hall forum scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the Unitarian Universalist
Church of Bartlesville, event coordinators announced recently.

Associate District Judge Curtis DeLapp will be the featured speaker at the
forum. DeLapp is expected to discuss the need for a drug court and the
benefit of the separation of drug issues from other court issues.

"Drug court varies somewhat from one jurisdiction to another in terms of
structure, scope and target population, but they all share three primary
goals: to reduce recidivism, the reduce substance abuse among participants
and to rehabilitate participants," said Steve Hine, secretary of the
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bartlesville Board.

DeLapp, as well as others involved in the local judicial system have
maintained that a drug court is needed in Washington County to more
effectively deal with escalating drug-related crime. Reportedly, court
officials have for some time sought grant funds needed to implement the
program.

"Apparently, the initiation of the drug court here is dependent upon a
grant, which the county expects to receive in January," Hine said.

The forum is free and open to anyone wishing to attend.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Bartlesville is located at 428 S.E. Seneca.