A Message from The Solicitor

MESSAGE FROM THE SOLICITOR:

As Solicitor for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, I have become increasingly aware that the majority of cases that pass through the criminal justice system are directly or indirectly drug related. Historically, drug offenders move through the system in a predictable pattern of arrest, prosecution, conviction, incarceration, and release. Unfortunately, within a short period of time after release, the same person is usually arrested on new charges and the process begins again.

Since January of 1993, my office has focused on moving a larger number of drug offenders through the system more efficiently. Two areas in which we enjoy significant success are the implementation of our Differentiated Case Management System and active participation in the York County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. With drug related cases coming to court more quickly and in greater volume, the pattern of repeat offenders has become more obvious. And although both of our new criminal justice initiatives have produced extremely positive results, it has become apparent that the end results have done little to address the problem of habitual drug abuse.

It was in part to address this concern that we established our Drug Court Program. It is my hope that this innovative program will provide us the ability to be proactive in the war against drugs by focusing on the individual and their addiction rather than solely on mass prosecution. I am already encouraged by the early progress being made by our multidisciplinary effort in this area. Drug Court affords the individual who suffers from chemical dependence the opportunity to change their life and the ability to become a drug free, employed, productive member of society. I feel that such a laudable goal is worthy of our collective support.

Kevin Brackett