Best Practices Training with Douglas Marlowe a Huge Success

Douglas B. Marlowe, J.D., Ph.D., of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, conducted a four hour training to a packed audience of collaborative court staff and partners on July 29. The audience, which included treatment providers, judicial officers, probation officers and attorneys, was enthralled by Dr. Marlowe's exciting presentation regarding best practices in Drug Courts, and the effective use of sanctions and incentives to change offender behavior.

Dr. Marlowe reviewed research demonstrating that Drug Courts are more cost-effective under the following circumstances:

-Treatment providers, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and police officers all attend case conferencing.
-Non-drug offenses, such as theft, are eligible.
-Offenders with prior violence are eligible.
-Participants are placed in Drug Court within 20 days of arrest.
-Participants are required to attend court at least every 2 weeks during the first phase.
-Judges stay in Drug Court assignments for more than 2 years.

In implementing sanctions and incentives, collaborative courts should emphasize:
-Reliable detection and swift and certain responses.
-Moderate responses, which are more effective than minimal or severe responses.
-Fairness and procedural justice.

Dr. Marlowe is a Drug Court expert and nationally renowned researcher. The training was sponsored by the National Drug Court Institute.