DA Says Allowing Violent Offenders Into SF Drug Court Has Destroyed the Program

"SF District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the expansion of the court to allow violent and dangerous offenders has been destructive to the program, as fewer than half of the court participants successfully complete the program. Proponents of the Drug Court spoke in its defense and called for more personnel in order to better meet the needs of its defendants. Drug court provides not just treatment, it provides a community, said Anita Nabha, an attorney with the Public Defender's office who oversees the court."

San Francisco officials held a hearing about the future of Drug Court as caseloads increased while staffing remained low. The program began in 1995 as diversion for nonviolent drug offenders with addiction, aiming to keep participants out of jail and away from situations leading to offenses. In 2018, eligibility expanded to include people with mental health disorders. Since then, enrollment grew to 420 people, but the Department of Public Health can serve only 260, leaving many to wait in jail for months, especially those needing specialized treatment or who do not speak English. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said allowing violent offenders has harmed the program, with fewer than half completing it. Supporters called for more personnel and said the court provides treatment and a community for recovery.

Read at sfist.com