NCJ Number
166046
Date Published
1996
Length
76 pages
Annotation
Twenty-five drug court programs were studied with respect to prosecution, defense, law enforcement, correctional, and treatment coordinator activities.
Abstract
The data were collected in early 1995 in a survey that updated and expanded a 1993 survey of 17 drug court programs then in operation. The analysis focuses on the operational elements currently deemed critical to the effectiveness of drug court programs and the implementation issues that have emerged. Each group surveyed provided general background information on their drug court programs, the criteria used to assess effectiveness, costs, implementation and operation issues, and advice to counterparts in other jurisdictions considering drug court programs. Prosecutors' suggestions focused on developing adequate resources, assuring procedural consistency, developing adequate tracking systems, and providing addiction training to staff. Defenders suggestions focused generally on compiling more useful information, developing more efficient procedures, and increasing treatment and rehabilitation resources. Police recommendations focused on funding issues and information to assist police in monitoring the behavior of diverted persons. Treatment providers' recommendations related to funding, planning time, screening, communication, and other issues. Tables