Report: Drug Court Works—Study Proves Program Lowers Recidivism, Saves Money

By Steven Cook, Schenectady Gazette
November 16, 2003

SCHENECTADY – Local drug court representatives are hailing a report out last week as proof the program works.

The study, conducted by the research arm of the state court system, found lower recidivism rates and high savings for counties using the court-supported treatment programs.

“It shows that the program has made a major impact state–wide,” said Ron Butler, Schenectady County Drug Court treatment coordinator. “It is my hope that people will really see it as an effective program that not only saves money, but helps a lot of people out.”

Schenectady County has had 25 graduate since the county began offering the program in 2001, Bulter said. Of those 25, none have been rearrested and only one has relapsed, he said.

Schenectady County Court Judge Michael C. Eidens, who founded the program in Schenectady, even received a plaque from graduates last month thanking him for his service.

Researchers found that more than 60 percent participating in the alternative to incarceration program completed the program or remained in the program after one year.

That number is compared to a random sampling of in–patient treatment programs nationwide that found between 10 and 30 percent had completed treatment or were still seeking treatment independent of drug court programs.

Researchers also calculated savings to taxpayers in incarceration costs at more than a quarter of a billion dollars since the program’s inception, averaging more than $14,000 per participant.

More than 18,000 people statewide have participated in drug court programs since their inception in 1995.

The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Justice and produced by the Center for Court Innovation, the research and development arm of the state court system.

A total of 11 courts statewide were included in the study, representing courts from urban, suburban and rural counties.

The rearrest rate for participants in six of the state’s oldest program declined by 31.7 percent, according to the study.

Montgomery County began its program in early 2001, with the first two graduates a year later.

When the county’s program began., District Attorney Jed Conboy said he was a skeptic. Now, more than 2½ years later, 50 offenders are enrolled and a half dozen have graduated. Conboy said he's been convinced of the program’s worth.

“While they’re in the program, they appear to be much better equipped to avoid relapse,” Conboy said. “Contrast that with pre–drug court situations where a person was put on probation and not given the tools and treatment given by drug court.”