JACKSON COUNTY DRUG COURT GETS PUSH

Chamber Votes To Raise Money To Help Fund It

PASCAGOULA - The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday
endorsed a proposed Jackson County drug court and voted to help
support the court's operation by raising money from the private sector.

"This is a societal problem that affects every business, every
employer and so many lives," said Chamber President Terry Carter. "We
have an opportunity for Jackson County to come together and
proactively attack this problem."

The court has been proposed by Circuit Judge Kathy Jackson, who
pioneered successfully with a drug court in George and Greene
counties. The Jackson County Board of Supervisors is considering a
proposal.

Circuit Judge Robert Krebs told a chamber breakfast group Tuesday that
150 people with drug problems are eligible for the program. It is
designed to reduce the number of drug-related crimes by defendants
with drug/alcohol addictions, refer them to treatment programs and
conduct follow-up counseling.

Participants, sentenced for non-violent drug-related crimes, have a
full schedule of activities mandated by the judge while in the
two-year program.

They must get a full-time job, undergo twice-a-week drug tests,
perform community service, pay fines, restitution and court costs.
Those who fail to meet the requirements must serve out their prison
terms.

Since Nov. 1, 2002, the drug court program has saved George County
$44,650, Greene County $23,287 and the state, $193,188 in housing
costs alone, the judges have pointed out.

Projected cost for a court in Jackson County is $150,000 a year. A
large part of the expense is for drug testing since a goal is to keep
offenders from returning to previous lifestyles.

All three circuit judges would participate in the program. Judge Dale
Harkey also supports it.

Guidelines for the special court were formally set up by legislation
last July.

"Drug court is not about saving taxpayer money, although it does. This
is about saving society one person at a time," said Carter, whose
board of directors unanimously endorsed the new court and encouraged
support by county supervisors.