The LEAD program in Los Angeles provides pre-arrest intensive case management to meet complex needs, often relating to behavioral health, and prevent recurring arrests. The Los Angeles program, following the "Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion" (LEAD) model utilized in many communities throughout the U.S., has proven successful in reducing arrests and facilitating connections to care.
The project, started in 2017, relies on a collaborative partnership between law enforcement, the health department, and community-based service providers to "address root causes of frequent contact with law enforcement that is related to substance use, unmet mental health needs, and/or extreme poverty." An evaluation of the LA pilot project by the Cal State University - Long Beach School of Criminology found that 12 months after implementation similarly situated persons who were not referred to the program had felony arrest rates 537 percent higher than LEAD participants and misdemeanor arrest rates that were 153 percent higher.
Pending legislation, AB 2217 (by Assemblymember Rick Zbur) would expand eligibility for participation in Alternatives to Arrests programs and reauthorize funding for continuation of existing programs and development of new programs in additional jurisdictions throughout California.
Panelists will discuss the ongoing work in Los Angeles, the Alternatives to Arrest model, recent legislative efforts to expand eligibility and funding for such projects, and pathways toward building similar programs throughout California. Hosted by the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), Californians for Safety and Justice and the California Community Foundation.
Registration: https://bit.ly/Alternatives2Arrest
Featured Speakers:
Erica Shehane, Los Angeles County Dept. of Health, Office of Diversion and Reentry
Patricia Sully, Deputy Director, Purpose. Dignity. Action.
Jason Sodenkamp, the LEAD Referral Coordinator for the Community Health Project Los Angeles
Grey Gardner, California State Director, Drug Policy Alliance (Moderator)