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172.3. Drug Abuse and Crime: The Intersection of Public Health and Public SafetyJames A. Inciardi, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, USA (james.inciardi@mvs.udel.edu)Over 50 percent of adults incarcerated in U.S state and federal prisons acknowledge using alcohol or drugsat the time of their offense. It is estimated that 70 to 85 percent of the 6.9 million adults incarcerated or onparole have substance abuse problems, but only 13 percent receive treatment under correctionalsupervision. Without treatment, offenders with substance abuse problems often relapse to drug use andcriminal behavior. Research has demonstrated that providing treatment services to offenders withsubstance abuse problems is an effective strategy for reducing crime and substance abuse. Criticalquestions remain as to what types of substance abuse treatment programs and services work best withoffenders and how to integrate them into criminal justice settings. This presentation will provide anoverview of the connection between drug use and crime, examine key principles of effective drug treatmentwith offender populations, and highlight research efforts underway to integrate substance abuse treatmentand services within criminal justice settings.2.4. Drug courts: Using Treatment and Accountability to Stop the Revolving Door inJusticeKaren Freeman Wilson, National Drug Court Institute, Alexandria, USA (kfwilson@nadcp.org)Drug courts are special court dockets that treat non-violent drug offenders through the use of acomprehensive approach directed at changing offenders’ lifestyles. A dedicated team of judges,prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment professionals, therapists, social service professionals, lawenforcement personnel and others work together to monitor participants on a consistent basis. Participantsare required to participate in treatment and other mental health counseling, undergo urine tests, performcommunity service, pay program fees, obtain employment or further their education and engage inactivities that lead to sustain recovery.The first drug treatment court was established in Miami, Florida in 1989. Today there are 1600 in existenceand approximately 400 in the planning phase. There are also over 20 drug courts outside of the UnitedStates in Canada, Jamaica, Bermuda, Scotland, Ireland, and other countries. Evaluations of existing courtshave resulted in a reduction in recidivism, reduction in drug use, cost savings, and immeasurable socialbenefits.During this session, Judge Karen Freeman-Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association ofDrug Court Professionals will discuss the nuts and bolts of drug courts and their success to date.