DRUG COURT CATCHES ON

Port Jervis is next on the list for a drug treatment court, joining Orange
County and the City of Newburgh. And Middletown isn't far behind.

The drug courts, which are increasing in number across the state, offer
alternative treatment for nonviolent drug offenders.

Orange County's drug court, which began in January, handles felony drug
cases. Newburgh's court, which kicked off last month, and Port Jervis'
court, which is still being developed, will handle misdemeanor offenders
within their city limits.

Port Jervis' court will eventually act as a hub for eligible offenders
throughout western Orange County, said Port Jervis City Court Clerk Edwina
Wulff.

Middletown's drug court is still in the planning stages and will likely
open within a year, Middletown City Court Clerk Linda Padden said.

When it does, it will be against the wishes of Middletown Mayor Joseph
DeStefano. DeStefano said he doesn't want Middletown to participate in what
he called "another whole new court bureaucracy."

"I think you should take those resources and put them into treatment
programs for first-time offenders," DeStefano said. "Repeat offenders
should be put through the normal court system. This is just a waste of money."

Port Jervis Mayor Ross Decker and Newburgh Mayor Andrew Marino both support
the new drug courts.

The cost of the new courts is still unknown. Much of the funding is
expected to be provided through grants. Training and supplies are covered
by the state.

The City of Newburgh, with a population of 28,259, has an average of 3,000
criminal arrests yearly, of which 50 percent are drug-related. The City of
Port Jervis, with a population of 8,860, has an average of 1,200 criminal
arrests annually, of which 30 percent are drug-related.

Studies from other drug courts in the state show the recidivism rate drops
from 50 percent to 15 percent for those who participate in the
drug-treatment program, said Port Jervis City Court Judge Robert Onofry,
who will preside over drug court.

But it's no walk in the park.

Participants in the 12- to 18-month treatment program are subject to
frequent and random drug testing; multiple evaluations; and expectations
for employment, housing and education.

"I won't be surprised if a defendant is reluctant to participate because
the disposition of their case would be quicker in some cases than the
actual treatment," Onofry said.

He estimated that about 15 to 30 people will sign on the first year of Port
Jervis' drug court.

Successful completion of the program could lead to the dismissal or
reduction of criminal charges filed against the participant. More
importantly, it means a chance for a better life.

"The defendant has to want it for it to work," Wulff added.