Drug courts proven successful over longer period.

One of the first studies to examine drug court graduate recidivism rates for an extended period found a positive impact could still be measured three years after initial arrest.

The New York State Adult Drug Court Evaluation. Policies Participants and Impacts found that six drug courts across New York state reduced post-arrest and post-program recidivism and maintained reductions for up to three years.

The study measured recidivism rates at six drug courts across New York state--Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Suffolk, Syracuse and Rochester.

The six drug courts generated an average 29 percent recidivism reduction over the three-year post-arrest period and a 32 percent average reduction over a one year post-program period.

During the three-year …