The Essex County Drug Court is a unique court for non-violent drug dependent offenders who are identified through a screening process as being most likely to benefit from treatment and not likely to pose a risk to public safety. The Drug Court functions within the existing Superior Court structure, but links the criminal justice system with drug treatment and rehabilitation services. Its purpose is to break the cycle of addiction and recidivism among non-violent drug offenders. Offenders receive intensive supervision and swift sanctions for non-compliance as they undergo treatment and counseling for their drug and alcohol addictions. Public safety issues are served by closely monitoring each defendant with probation officers who operate under the model of Intensive Supervision of Parolees. The program involves a team approach on the part of judges, court staff, attorneys, probation officers, substance abuse evaluators and treatment counselors, all of whom work together to support and monitor a participant's recovery.

The Essex County Drug Court was started in 1999 with the assistance of federal planning and implementation grants. Other counties have adopted similar programs, including Camden, Mercer, Union and Ocean Counties. In June, 2000, the state Judicial Council cited drug courts as a "Best Practice" and called for comprehensive statewide implementation. Early studies indicate that drug courts reduce recidivism and drug abuse, while providing significant cost savings to the public from reduced incarceration costs.

The Essex County Drug Court team continually monitors offender progress to define parameters of behavior that allow continued program participation and suggests effective sanctions and incentives for program compliance. Team members are knowledgeable about addiction, alcoholism, and pharmacology and apply that knowledge to respond to compliance in a therapeutically appropriate manner. The team continually educates the community, civic and social organizations, and judiciary regarding the efficacy of Drug courts.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is obviously a key member of the Drug Court team. The Executive Assistant Prosecutor responsible for Drug Court ensures community safety concerns by maintaining eligibility standards for the admission of offenders into the Drug Court program. The Executive Assistant Prosecutor is assisted by Assistant Prosecutors assigned to the Pre-Grand Jury Section for Drug Court pleas, violations of probation, sanctions and sentencing.