Pre-Arrest Interventions (CJA 456)

Respond to Cindy and April’s discussion post, with 150 words each.

Research and explain 2 examples of pre-arrest diversion programs in your community.
What are the major goals and objectives of these pre-arrest diversion programs?
How do pre-arrest diversion programs impact courts, corrections, and police-community relations?

(Cindy Eldridge)
Good Evening Class
Pre-arrest diversion program, he alternative for a criminal conviction. These program types are used to have cases dismissed and records sealed. Examples of pre-arrests diversion programs are drug and alcohol programs, LEAD programs and an MDP program. Resources are conserved when it comes to diversion programs that are well designed.
The drug and alcohol program are mainly for offenders who have committed drug and alcohol offenses for the first time and the charges are misdemeanors. Those individuals could not have been enrolled in any other diversion programs prior to this one and if the offender completes the diversion program the charges could be dropped. The MDP program (Misdemeanor Diversion Program) provides services for those offenders who are age 18 to 26 years of age and are first time misdemeanants. In lieu of arrest, referrals for this program is made. MDP is a 90 day program and if the offender completes the program successfully then their case will be closed and they will not have a criminal review. North Carolina also has a law enforcement assisted diversion program. This is a program for offenders of alcohol and sex offenses.
Diversion programs impact law enforcement because they allow the officers ways to identify criminal activity patterns also providing security in high crime area’s, skills in advanced decision making and crime prevention methods that will benefit all those involved.

(April S Graves)
Two examples of pre-arrest diversion programs in Baltimore City are, Center for Children’s Law and Policy and another is MONSE (Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement). These are two programs which focuses on restorative and transformative justice, as well as evidence-based or evidence-informed services (MONSE, 2022). Completing assessments on youth which information is gathered by data analysis or evidence from youth that have actually been in trouble with law enforcement. These assessments help make plans within the programs to help youth make better decisions after they have been in trouble before or finds ways to prevent other youth from entering into the juvenile justice system altogether.
The major goals and objectives of these pre-arrest diversion programs is to decrease the number of juveniles offenders from re-entering the juvenile system and help them transform their lives to have a brighter and healthier live presently and in their future. They respond to youth by assessing their needs along with their families and involve others within the community by getting everyone to engage in helping the youth make good decisions that will help them be successful. More African American youth have run ins with law enforcement than other races and have the highest crime rates.
There will be a positive impact on courts, corrections, and police-community relations if/when there is a decrease in the criminal activity by youth. There is a decrease in cost, population in facilities, and fewer encounters with law enforcement. Coming up with alternatives for youth to engage in positive things around their community will encourage them to think about their future and possibly choose not to commit crimes.

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