Dallas County has really embraced the concept of “Problem Solving Courts” over the last few years. We've realized, as most of the country has that we will not win the battle against crime simply by “locking everyone up”. At some point, we will have to release them. Hence there are various specialized of courts that work with certain types of individuals. For example, there is Mental Illness Court, DWI Court, Prostitution Court, and Re-Entry Court. I work with Individuals on Probation.

I take pride in the IIP court. I've noticed that most of the persons in the program take their probation much more seriously. They begin to take pride in themselves. They attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings if needed. We address drug rehabilitation issues. They are encouraged to get their GED’s and one student went back to get his High School Diploma. We accept them into the program by recommendation. Namely because they were performing poorly in the traditional probation process.

It’s a tough love program. We are tough on them but we also encourage them to do well. Although we won't hesitate to sanction them when necessary.

My plan during my first term as judge was to protect society, but I also wanted to administer justice fairly and firmly. That is why I initiated the IIP court. It currently has 55 clients. We meet on a weekly basis. When they are doing well I praise their improvement. I sanction them when they fall short of our expectations. To date 7 of the 55 are in long term drug rehabilitation programs and 7 have successfully graduated from the program. Many have started working and paying their probation fees. Whereas before their probation would have been revoked. They are now back on track to being more productive citizens.

Every individual I assign to probation, returns to my court within 6 months. We review their performance over those 6 months and most do well, but some need a little bit more incentive. We find the problem and “nip it in the bud”… getting these people back on track.

I'm a huge proponent of education. If anyone in my court is going back to college or trade school I waive their probation fees as an incentive. I believe that if these individuals get an education they can begin to contribute to society in a positive way. We at IIP Court are helping pave the way to their success.