NCJ Number
187306
Date Published
2000
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This is an update of the 2-year progress report in which innovative law enforcement/drug court linkages developing across the United States were highlighted.
Abstract
Realizing that community policing programs and community courts did not exist in a vacuum, it was soon recognized that by their very definitions they should work closely together; however, in most communities they had not yet begun to create these partnerships. Thus, a system was needed to create structures and linkages that would increase communications, coordination, and effectiveness. In seeking the most effective method of coordinating a wide range of anti-drug strategies, a unified drug court system presented the best opportunity for success. In order to facilitate this effort, this report offers suggestions for education and training, communication/information flow, and the support/monitor function. In addition, the report provides a 3-year review of a project initiated by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), U.S. Department of Justice, and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP). The project promotes linkages between law enforcement and drug courts and the institutionalization of these linkages. The report indicates that currently law enforcement has become an integral part of 25 percent of operational drug courts, meaning that a law enforcement officer is assigned to the drug court or has been designated as the liaison to the drug court. An overview of project accomplishments to date encompasses regional workshops and focus groups, curriculum, coordination and technical assistance, and the future. Individual programs profiled are the NADCP Community Policing/Community-Based Court Mentor Network and programs in the States of Florida, California, Washington, Connecticut, Montana, Kentucky, and Utah. Appended results of a project survey, duties of a liaison officer, definitions, and a list of 8 resources