Drug Court proposed in Botetourt

At the Jan. 28, regular Board of Supervisors, Commonwealth’s Attorney John Alexander spoke to the Board members about Drug Court. His office is in process of setting up the court for Botetourt County.

What is drug court? Alexander described it like this, ” As a prosecutor for 24 years in roanoke and Botetourt, it has always been public safety that is the main point. By starting a drug court, rather than place everyonne in jail, we would enhance public safety with treatment.”

Treatment would be for non violent offenders who would go to court at least once per week or every two weeks. Thedrug court program is operating in 39 other localities and counties in the state.

Thus far a local advisory board has been started. The next atep is to set-up the program and then apply to the State Surpreme Court for a grant to fund the program. The benefits are numerous.

Alexander said, “The programs have saved the state 10.9 million dollars.” He also noted that drug incarcerations ruin families and can result in many other agencies from the community and governemental entities to get involved. ” By rehabilitaing the convicted, we can add to public safety enhancement with working them. Getting them back into the community where they can contribute to their family as well as others is a goal.”

Supervisor Dr. Mac Scothorn who has worked with inmates through his medical practice said, ” I have seen the consequence and it would be beneficial.”

Alexander said he might have to ask for some initial funding to get the program started until the grant funding application can be submitted and hopefully approved.

–Cathy Benson photo and story