According to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, “drug courts are designed to help offenders with substance abuse problems break the cycle of addiction and crime. They combine intensive judicial supervision, mandatory drug testing, treatment, and incentives to support and monitor a participant’s recovery. Drug court teams are typically led by a judge and include a prosecutor, defense counsel, treatment provider, probation officers, law enforcement, and court coordinator who work together to maintain a critical balance of authority, supervision, support, and encouragement.” (https://www.pacourts.us/judicial-administration/court-programs/drug-courts)

There is a drug epidemic across America, and Clearfield County is not immune. There are national and statewide initiatives to create specialized programs and pathways of treatment rather than incarceration.  There exists in Clearfield County a plan to create one of these specialized drug courts within the Court of Common Pleas.   

We, the undersigned, are asking President Judge Honorable Frederic J. Ammerman, District Attorney Ryan Sayers, and the Clearfield County Commissioners to initiate the process to allow a specialized drug court to be created in Clearfield County.