A pilot program in San Diego's east-county court system is claiming greater success, keeping domestic violence offenders off of drugs.
San Diego requires domestic violence offenders to take part in a year-long counseling program to address their violence. Counselors say the treatment often failed when offenders continued to abuse drugs or alcohol. The pilot program has combined domestic violence counseling with drug treatment and random testing.
Superior Court Judge DeAnn Salcido said that has given the courts a stronger hand to keep people from re-offending.
"We have found that when offenders face random drug tests, and a more structured level of treatment, behavior change occurs," she said. "One of our programs tracked a 90 percent reduction in positive drug test results."
County Supervisor Diane Jacob said courts are exploring ways to expand the pilot program countywide.
