Arizona Superior Court in Pima County
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 by Superior Court
PIMA COUNTY, AZ. – 22 Pima County residents will celebrate their successes Thursday night during their graduation from Superior Court's Drug Court/Pima County Attorney's Office DTAP (Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison) programs. And this graduation has an unusual twist! Due to the ongoing pandemic, the ceremony will be a drive-through procession and wind its way through the parking area outside of the Pima County Adult Probation offices located at 2695 E. Ajo Way. Drug Court's graduation ceremony will begin at 3:30 p.m., and DTAP's will start at 5:00 p.m.
The public is invited to motor by and honk in support of their fellow community members as the court pays tribute to each graduate's substantial achievements. Media is encouraged to attend, cover the drive-through celebration, and talk with graduates. (Due to safety precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, all attendees must be masked, and social distancing will be required.)
Since 2005, almost 500 participants have successfully graduated from the Drug Court program, a collaboration between the Superior Court, local justice partners, and various treatment providers in our community. Drug Court addresses the underlying causes of criminal behavior. It focuses on recovery and rehabilitation rather than punishment, blending justice with ongoing treatment and enabling individuals to become healthy, productive members of our community.
The Pima County Attorney's Office has offered DTAP's three-year drug treatment program since 2010. The only program of its kind in Arizona, DTAP focuses on individuals considered to be high risk/high need. It provides residential drug treatment as well as wraparound recovery support services and has celebrated more than 100 successful graduations to date.
Research consistently proves that drug courts and drug treatment systems work. Drug courts reduce the burden and cost to the community of repeatedly processing non-violent, low-level offenders through the jail and court system. They fully engage the participant in their journey back to health and in managing their addiction, the underlying issue causing their criminal activity. Drug courts support, educate, hold the client responsible for their behavior, and reduce future illegal activity. Participants are provided individualized treatment plans that, when followed, offer a passport to a new way of life.
What: Drug Court and DTAP Graduation Ceremony
Where: Pima County Adult Probation Office, 2695 E. Ajo Way, Tucson, 85713
When: Thursday, March 4, 2021. Drug Court Ceremony at 3:30 p.m., DTAP Ceremony at 5:00 p.m.
Press Opportunity: News media representatives are invited to attend the ceremony and arrange to interview participants; however, the use of cameras must be approved prior, and all those being interviewed, photographed, or video-recorded must give their consent. Some participants have agreed to be interviewed in advance of the ceremony. Please contact Krisanne LoGalbo ([email protected]) if you would like to film at the event, interview participants, or for more information.