Studies Say California Drug Courts Save Money

Studies Say California Drug Courts Save Money
April 18, 2003

Research Summary

Two studies find that California's 90 drug courts reduced recidivism and saved the state millions of dollars in prison and jail costs, the Associated Press reported April 16.

The first report, which looked at drug courts in Los Angeles, San Diego and Butte counties, found a savings of about $200,000 a year for each of the 100 participants in the study.

The second study, conducted by the state Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs and the Administrative Office of the Courts, found that arrest rates declined 85 percent for 1,945 drug-court graduates in 17 counties.

A committee of the state's Judicial Council, a constitutionally mandated council that's responsible for monitoring and improving California's courts, released the reports.

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