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Drug Court coordinator says program serving high‑risk defendants aims to boost graduation rate
Summary
The Drug Court coordinator told the Board the program has 18 participants, a 2023 graduation rate of about 55% and plans to shorten referral timelines to start applications within 52 days of the offense to improve enrollment and outcomes.
Brandon Jerred, the Dodge County Drug Court coordinator, briefed the Board on May 29 about the program’s goals, caseload and proposed procedural changes to improve participant enrollment.
Jerred described drug court as "a specialized court that works with individuals that have committed a felony and their substance use disorder contributed in some way to the offense." He said the program focuses on high‑risk, high‑needs individuals and currently has 18 participants. Last year’s graduation rate was about 55%; Jerred said his goal is to raise that to 65%.
To improve enrollment and motivation, Jerred said the program plans to change the referral process so a potential participant can begin the application within 52 days of committing the felony. He said that when court processes take longer potential candidates lose motivation to apply. He also noted that the defense attorney typically makes the initial referral but County Attorney Hopkins has final authority to accept participants.
Supervisor Tawney thanked Jerred for the program work and Chairman Missel suggested board members attend a Drug Court graduation to observe results firsthand. The program did not present cost or funding requests during this update.
