DCBA UPDATE July 26, 2011
info@dcba.ie
New Study finds drug courts reduce substance abuse and crime
State Debt in 2010 (in billions of euro) Italy 1,843 Spain 639 Greece 329 Portugal 161 Ireland 148 (Source Der Spiegel)
Countries with the world largest state debt are USA, Japan, Italy
Researchers at the Urban Institute, the Centre for Court Innovation and RTI International have recently completed perhaps the most ambitious study of drug courts to date. Funded by the National Institute of Justice, the five year multi-site-study compared participants in 23 drug courts in seven states to similar defendants who went through conventional case processing. The results offer vivid evidence that drug courts are effective at reducing both substance abuse and crime. Among other findings, the study documented that drug court participants were one-third less likely to report using drugs 18 months after their enrolment in the program. And they were responsible for less than half as may criminal acts as the comparison group after 18 months. Largely because of these reductions in criminal behaviour, drug courts ended up saving an estimated $5,680 per participant – cost savings that closely resemble those found in previous studies in California and Washington State. In examining why drug courts have succeeded, the evaluation focused in particular on the role of the judge and the value of procedural fairness. The fact that drug court participants generally had more favourable perceptions of the judge than the comparison group was among the most important factors explaining why drug courts reduced drug use and crime. Source: Centre for Court Innovation
Dublin City Council and DCBA working together to help create jobs in City Centre The Capel Street & City Market Report carried out by Dublin Civic trust and funded by DCBA and Capel Street Retailers is establishing momentum in creating a new entrepreneurial environment in City Centre. Resulting from debate at the Dublin City Council SPC Finance, Cllr Niall Ring proposed a motion to City Council establishing a Committee in Dublin City Council to lead this project. This motion was passed by City Councillors and will be chaired by a Councillor. This is welcomed by DCBA. In the meantime Capel Street members have been in discussion with Dublin City Council Development Dept on the cleaning, water, electricity and sewerage in the City Market. The Dublin City Council Roads & Traffic Dept are also in discussion. DCBA are very keen to see the Bicycle Delivery Project (Dept of Transport/Dublin City Council/DCBA Pilot Project) operate in the City Market and facilitate the growth of deliveries for wholesalers. The recent initiative by the Dublin City Council Market Officer to publish the opening of the Market for the Public is to be commended.