Keep Drug Court in session

Linn County Drug Court's first five graduates should be proud of their success. They've kicked drug habits and stayed out of prison. They're in position to lead positive, productive lives.

That's not only good for them and their families, it's good for our communities. Diverting some non-violent drug offenders from prison and into intensive treatment has potential to be a more effective and less costly way to fight drug abuse and reduce crime.

The drug court program is for adult offenders whose drug or alcohol problems are at the root of their criminal behavior. To qualify, they must have been convicted of a serious but non-violent crime that would otherwise result in a prison sentence.

Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Fae Hoover-Grinde - with a team including probation and treatment coordinators, a treatment court counselor, a defense attorney and a county prosecutor - assess and select participants for the Linn County program, launched nearly two years ago.

The program rewards positive behavior but sanctions violators with early curfews, other assignments or even jail time. The first program graduates spent at least a year working through individualized treatment plans, which include regular contact with the court, random urine testing and home checks.

Of the 45 people admitted to the program, 24 remain and 16 did not complete it. It doesn't work for everyone.

However, drug and alcohol use is a major factor in the commission of crimes, in violations of parole or probation terms and recidivism. According to the Iowa's Drug Policy Advisory Council, about 90 percent of prison inmates abuse alcohol or drugs. Yet in FY 2008, only about half of the inmates who needed treatment services received them.

Also, the length and type of treatment makes an enormous difference in an offender's chances of return to drugs or alcohol. Two-thirds of those people who receive longer than 60 days of substance abuse treatment stayed off drugs and alcohol in the first six months after discharge from treatment, compared to only a third of those whose treatment length was 31 to 60 days.

Targeting substance abuse as a way to reduce crime is smart. Research shows drug court graduates are as much as a third less likely to offend again as similar offenders sentenced to prison.

Drug court expenses are a fraction of what it costs to house non-violent offenders in prison - as much as 70 percent less. It offers more comprehensive treatment and supports. It frees up prison beds and allows participants to remain with their families and have the potential to work and otherwise contribute to the community.

If this program continues to prove its worth, state officials and legislators should work to expand it as quickly as possible.