Knox County Superior Court 2 Judge Ryan Johanningsmeier says the Knox County Drug Court graduated six participants of the 18 to 24-month long program on Wednesday.
Participants in the program must maintain employment, undergo twice a week drug testing, appear at weekly court hearings, complete treatment,
maintain sobriety, and perform community service work.
Judge Johanningsmeier and Indiana Supreme Court Justice Christopher Goff, a former drug court judge, addressed the graduates and others in attendance at Wednesday’s ceremony.
He says enrolling these six participants in the drug court program saved the state and county the cost of over 25-yeas of incarceration.
It also ensured participants received treatment, strengthened ties with children and family, and gained employment.
Judge Johanningsmeier says nationwide research shows drug courts are almost 75% more effective than prison in ending drug use and stopping criminal activity.
