Fully implemented in 2016, the Community Diversion Program utilizes a collaborative, problem solving approach to crime designed to address recurring low level crime that is of concern to the community.  Through partnerships with government, community and treatment organizations, the Community Diversion Program endeavors to hold defendants accountable, address factors impacting defendants’ criminal behavior, improve the quality of life in the neighborhood, address victim needs and increase public confidence in the local criminal justice system.  Community Diversion is part of a growing movement to address the root cause of so called quality of life crimes that are committed by chronic offenders.

The Community Diversion Program is a Legal Department initiative administered by the Prosecution Division.  Most participants have suffered childhood trauma and have substance abuse issues.  A review of past participants indicates a decrease in crime recidivism regardless of program completion.  To date, 30 individuals have successfully completed and graduated from the Community Diversion Program.  Of the 30, three have new convictions; 75% of graduates remain crime free.  One of our graduates was admitted to college this past year. 

We had a record number of participants right before the COVID shut down caused the program to move to a virtual format.  The virtual format was not as effective and many of those participants failed to comply.  We also did not gain new participants because of the COVID court case continuances.  We currently have five participants and an additional four are in the process of enrolling in the program.  Face to face contact is vital to keeping participants engaged, so we have implemented changes to make sure we can continue to meet with participants regardless of COVID infection rate in the community.  We expect the enrollment numbers to increase as we work through the court case backlog.  

The Facilities Rental Agreement submitted for your approval is a lease renewal for The Seasons Performance Hall.  The Community Diversion Program is held at The Seasons Performance Hall and People for People provides assessment and case management services. The Agreement is needed to continue the Community Diversion Program in its current format through 2021.