Louisville, KY – At CLOUT’s Nehemiah Action in March 2007, CLOUT members launched the “Stop the Revolving Door” campaign to secure reforms in the criminal justice system. Then Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Lambert followed through on his commitment to double the size of the Drug Court program, to provide more training for judges on how to use the program, and to maintain the licensed treatment component of the program. Drug Courts operate under a specialized model in which the criminal justice system, mental health, and treatment communities work together to help non-violent offenders treat their addictions and become productive citizens, and has proven to lower recidivism and tax spending on crime when properly implemented. Kentucky Department of Corrections Commission John Rees followed through on his commitment by creating a new training program in issues related to drug & alcohol addiction for all Probation and Parole staff statewide; it is now required for all new and existing staff. Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson followed through on his commitment to establish a new drug treatment program in the local jail.
