Christie To Expand State Drug Court

Gov. Chris Christie says he plans to expand New Jersey's drug court program, a diversion program for nonviolent offenders that steers them to treatment and job training rather than prison.

Currently about 1,400 defendants a year go through the program.

The governor made his announcement Monday during a visit to the Cathedral Kitchen in Camden. The soup kitchen participates in the current program by providing training to ex-convicts.

Christie says more effort needs to be put into treatment and training for offenders so they can return to productive roles in society.