Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jul 2003
Source: Macomb Daily, The (MI)
Copyright: 2003 The Macomb Daily
Contact:  http://www.macombdaily.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2253
Author: Jameson Cook
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

COMET DONATES $25,000 TO NEW DRUG COURT

The county's anti-drug policing agency is donating $25,000 from
property confiscated in drug busts to the new drug court in Macomb
County Circuit Court.

"There was a dire need for funds for the drug court," said Macomb
County Sheriff Mark Hackel. "This money will go to treatment programs
and things to keep an eye on drug offenders."

The court, organized late last year as part of the Macomb circuit
court, is designed to provide alternatives to jail or prison for
defendants who abuse drugs and show signs of being able to overcome
their addiction.

Judges Deborah Servitto and James Biernat conduct special sessions
once a week during the evening hours, keeping running contact with
defendants who must complete treatment programs that last for many
months.

The new program has about six people so far, and more should be
assigned in the coming months and years.

A juvenile version of the court has been in place for about three
years.

Judge Servitto, a staunch supporter, said she appreciates not only the
monetary donation from the County of Macomb Enforcement Team, but that
COMET officials realize that treating drug abusers will help reduce
drug-related crime and the number of drug customers.

"The significance of this gift is much greater than the money alone,"
Servitto said. "It indicates a resolution by law enforcement that
successful reduction of drug usage in this community can only occur
with treatment and intense supervision.

"It is gratifying to know that these officers on the front line of
defense know how important it is to solve the underlying problem of
substance abuse."

The court is funded with state money through Macomb County Community
Corrections. But Hackel said the funds are limited, and community
corrections must spread its budget of less than $2 million to support
many activities in the county justice system.

The donated funds come from COMET's forfeitures, in which the agency
gains ownership of cash from drug sales and items purchased with drug
money. Typically, the money replenishes COMET's enforcement efforts.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin