Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD)

Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion

What is LEAD?

• A program where police officers exercise discretionary authority at the point of arrest to divert individuals who, in their judgement, need sustained clinical intervention. Instead of the normal criminal justice cycle, the individual is referred into a trauma-informed intensive case-management program. This person will receive individually-tailored support services.

Studies have shown that jail and prosecution does not resolve most issues that drive ongoing law violations and behavior problems and can even make problems worse!

Who is eligible?                                                                           

1. 18 years or older
2. Some drug offenses
3. Prostitution
4. Misdemeanor theft
5. Some low level burglary
6. Rouge & Vagabond
7. “nuisance crimes”

-At this time, law enforcement officers are the only ones who can make a referral to this program.

*  LEAD is NOT a get out of jail free card and does not confer immunity from future enforcement steps. If a case is diverted to this program, the charge would not typically be filed in the interest of achieving the bigger impact the program offers.