From left are Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker, KLA Cadet Brooke Carey of Cardinal Services, Kosciusko Superior Court 1 Judge Duane Huffer, KLA Cadet Chris Ball of Hall Marose Silveus Insurance, and Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed. The group recently discussed Kosciusko County’s new Drug Court. (Photo by Joni Truex)

By Joni Truex
 KLA Public Information Director

Kosciusko Leadership Academy met in the historic Kosciusko County courthouse recently to learn about the Kosciusko County Judicial System — both past and present — and law enforcement.

Circuit Court Judge Michael W. Reed reviewed the history of the Kosciusko Judicial system. Superior 1 Court Judge Duane Huffer explained the current workings of our judicial system. Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker covered law enforcement in our area.

One of the common themes among the presenters is the increase in the number of people currently serving time in the Kosciusko County Jail. The jail population is currently over 300 inmates. Drug addiction and substance abuse significantly contributes to the number of people incarcerated.

Judge Michael Reed and Chief Whitaker say the creation and opening of Kosciusko County’s Drug Court, which is for individuals who commit nonviolent crimes due to the influence or dependence on drugs, may receive a recommendation from the prosecuting attorney for a drug court evaluation. Once the person completes the clinical screening, the drug court team will determine if the person is a candidate for drug court. If approved, the offender and the family receive a complete explanation of the requirements, regulations and expectations.

The offender who chooses to participate will then sign an agreement. Drug Court typically lasts 18 month to 24 months. There are three phases of the court.   Individuals involved in the process will also have employment, education and financial responsibilities.

Judge Reed supervises the participants of the drug court. There is a team of individuals who are also involved including the prosecuting attorney, addiction abuse counselors, drug court coordinator, law enforcement officers, probation officers, case workers, transitional living representatives and adult education representatives. The goal of the drug court is to help the individual reduce the dependence on drugs through this cooperative approach and become a contributing member of society.

Drug addictions are very difficult to overcome, but with the help and guidance of this team of professionals, there is hope. The drug court anticipates successes, setbacks and possibly even failures. “If one person can complete drug court and once again become a contributing member of society, that is one life and one family that we have successfully improved for the good of the person and our community,” said Judge Reed.

Offenders who participate in drug court will incur less expense to taxpayers in comparison to the cost to taxpayers of incarceration.

Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker shared information about D.A.R.E. and the school resource officers. One benefit of the program is the respect and communication that develops between the officers and the students at the school.

Judge Huffer explained the judicial system in Kosciusko County and the assignment of cases. Judge Huffer also mentioned his upcoming retirement. He has been a speaker for KLA for many years and we thank him for his service to our organization and to our community.

The next KLA session will be held Feb. 4, at the Syracuse Community Center to learn about the Economics of Kosciusko County.

KLA is a not for profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.