Federal Grant to Rockland to Expand Drug Court

The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office will receive $200,000 in federal funds to expand the county’s drug court to include individuals convicted of driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“It is critical that we enhance programs that have proven to be successful in reducing recidivism and improving community safety,” said Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, announcing the grant in a written statement.

“We are very excited to have received this grant award,” said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas P. Zugibe. “This will give us the opportunity to offer eligible Rockland County residents charged with Misdemeanor DWIs the alternative of Misdemeanor Drug Court. We know that treatment courts have been extremely successful in assisting those with alcohol and drug problems while making our community safer for all.”

According to Lowey, the grant is from DOJ’s Adult Drug Court Discretionary Grant Program, which provides funding to implement or enhance local drug courts, or to implement, enhance, or expand drug court services statewide.

Rockland County will use the funds to expand the Misdemeanor Drug Court participant population to include those with DWIs who meet the county’s eligibility criteria. The Misdemeanor program will be modeled after the Felony Drug Court DWI Track, a program with proven success. The grant budget includes case management, lab testing – including assistance with the cost of Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) for eligible participants – and training.