JUDGE CHAMPIONS DRUG COURT

It Can Work For Jackson Co., He Says

PASCAGOULA - Drug court works and saves money. That was the message that
Circuit Judge Keith Starrett brought to Jackson County on Friday.

Speaking at the county Bar Association, Starrett delivered a message that
got the attention of law enforcement and the legal community.

In five years of conducting the court in his district of Lincoln, Pike and
Walthall counties, Starrett said he has seen it keep hundreds out of the
prison system, a savings of $20,000 per person each year.

Senior Circuit Judge Kathy Jackson said that in the eight months she has
conducted a drug court in George and Greene counties, it has made a
difference.

"I think it would be great," said Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd, who
heard Starrett speak. "Just from what Judge Jackson said, it sounds like
something we need to do."

Byrd said 100 low-level offenders would qualify for the program in the
county jail right now. The program offers treatment and rigorous follow-up
through the courts for felony drug offenders or anyone facing a felony for a
drug-related crime that is not a crime of violence or house burglary.

Byrd said he would be willing to help approach the county Board of
Supervisors about funding such a court, even though the program would fall
under the jurisdiction of the courts.

One of the most positive things Starrett said was that nationally the
success rate is 75 percent, and even higher in his court.