Scenic drive and towering cliffs of northern Saipan.
Video courtesy of
Rommel Buenaflor
The staff manages day-to-day operations, while the Presiding Judge and assigned Judge ensure the successful implementation of the program and other treatment programs. Staff also serves as liaisons to other agencies,community partners and stakeholders, and treatment and recovery services and resources, perform data collection and analysis, write grants, and assists in resource development, and public outreach.
In 2023, an average of 28 active participants have been engaged in a comprehensive, holistic approach, which combines intensive judicial interaction, aggressive community supervision, frequent drug testing, case management, and substance and alcohol treatment services throughout the year. DCD has a success rate of 83%, having 85 participants successfully completing the program and 17 terminations since the program’s inception.
"Recovery is not for people who need it,
it's for people who want it."
Edward P. Diaz
Drug Court Manager
Law enforcement, treatment providers, policy makers, and Judiciary officials gathered on May 15, 2025 for the Judiciary Treatment Court Summit at Crowne Plaza. The day-long conference provides agency and community partners with a space to share resources and discuss drug addiction in the Commonwealth. “This summit is not about one sector, one office, or one program,” said Justice John A. Mangloña in his opening remarks. “Our strength lies in the fact that we’re coming together—bringing different experiences, different tools, and different insights to solve the same challenge.” Department of Corrections Officer Romeo Herman was the Keynote Speaker, sharing his experience coming into recovery and joining law enforcement, thanks to the support of his family and community. During the morning sessions, Drug Court Manager Edward P. Diaz, the Division of Customs and Biosecurity, the Department of Corrections, Senator Jude U. Hofschneider, and Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds provided statistics and evidentiary information about meth usage, illegal import, and prevention in the DOC facility, along with an overview of Public Law 22-24 establishing the Behavioral Health Professional Scholarship and the eligibility of criminal defendants for Drug Court participation.