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Background
What is Police Assisted Diversion?
Why do we need PAD Research?
Police assisted diversion (PAD), also known as law enforcement-assisted diversion (LEAD), is a public-health-based, non-punitive alternative to arrest for minor non-violent crimes committed by individuals with substance use disorder. These programs leverage the millions of annual police contacts with people who use drugs as opportunities to offer voluntary community referrals to treatment programs and social supports. Participants in these programs avoid gaining a permanent criminal record while gaining access to resources that address the underlying challenges driving their substance use and illicit behavior.
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Early evidence has shown that these programs can reduce recidivism, improve participant stability and wellbeing, and strengthen community-law enforcement trust. These promising results have resulted in similar programs being adopted in jurisdictions across the country.
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Despite the anecdotal evidence highlighting the positive potential of these programs, little scientific, peer-reviewed research has been conducted to identify best practices or rigorously examine their outcomes. This leaves programs that implement diversion programs of their own at risk for repeating the mistakes of those before them, potentially impeding program success.
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The PATHS Study will address this gap by evaluating implementation best practices, health outcomes, and economic outcomes of PAD programs.
Fast Facts
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Two-thirds of all people booked into jail in the United States have a mental illness or problematic substance use
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Over 60% of people in jail are held for low-level misdemeanors or infractions
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Even brief periods in jail can damage a person's employment and housing opportunities
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Economic and housing instability, exacerbated by incarceration, increases the odds of recidivism
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Treatment and supportive social services can guide individuals to create lasting change
What is Police Assisted Diversion?
Police assisted diversion (PAD), also known as law enforcement-assisted diversion (LEAD), provides officers with a non-punitive alternative to arrest for non-violent crimes committed by individuals with substance use disorder. Prospective participants are offered community referrals to treatment programs and social supports to address the underlying issue of substance use without creating a permanent criminal record.
The Logic of LEAD
What is implementation Science?
Implementation science is the study of strategies and methods to improve ​the success of new evidence-based programs, policies, or practices. Implementation science researchers consider all aspects of the desired change, including key players, organizational context, culture, resources, motivations, and more. By considering the implementation process from every angle, they can identify strategies that can improve the odds of successful change.