Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (US)

LEAD takes a harm reduction approach; in substance use cases, abstinence is not required. The primary goal is to reduce the harms caused by repeated interactions with the criminal justice system (CJS). Additional goals include reducing reliance on the CJS, and improving working relationships between police and community-based service providers. == History ==

In October 2011, LEAD was launched in Seattle as a four-year pilot program, with private foundation funding of $950,000 a year. The multi-agency collaboration included the Seattle Police Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office, the King County Prosecutor, the Seattle City Attorney, the Washington State Department of Corrections, Evergreen Treatment Services, the Washington American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the Public Defender Association’s Racial Disparity Project. Rollout began in the drug-troubled Belltown neighborhood, with hand-picked participants: low-level drug dealers, addicts and prostitutes who had been repeatedly arrested. Individualized programs offered services including drug treatment, housing assistance, education, and microloans for business start-ups. == Implementation ==

Police officers use their discretion to refer an individual arrested for minor offences to a case manager who assesses the client and creates a personalized intervention plan. == Efficacy ==

Participants in the Seattle/King County LEAD program were less likely to be arrested and face felony charges, compared to those charged with similar crimes. Improvements in employment, housing, financial security, relationships with police and quality of life were noted. == References ==