A Multi-Site Evaluation of Law Enforcement Deflection in the United States

• NCJ Number: 309961
• Author(s): Melissa M. Labriola; Samuel Peterson; Jirka Taylor; Danielle Sobol; Jessica Reichert; Jon Ross; Jac Charlier; Sophia Juarez
• Date Published: 2023
• Length: 53 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2019-75-CX-0011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Award: A Law Enforcement Pathway to Treatment: A Multi-Site Evaluation of Self-Referral Deflection Programs

Annotation

This report presents the findings from a multi-site evaluation of law enforcement deflection in the United States, using data collected from six different sites to identify each deflection program’s implementation as well as key program facilitators and barriers.

Abstract

This document reports on a multi-site evaluation of six sites engaged in law enforcement deflection programs. The data collected includes information from program staff, administrative data, and program data, and contributes to the project goals of describing how each deflection program is implemented and identifying key program facilitators and barriers. For two of the six sites, the authors conducted outcome analyses to determine whether the model was effective in reducing drug-related deaths and overdoses, arrests, and treatment admissions. The report introduces the purpose and background of deflection programs, which aim to connect individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) who encounter the criminal justice system with treatment options and other services according to each individual’s needs. The document is divided into the following sections: a description of the research project’s methodology, including site selection, project implementation and outcome analysis; process findings, noting reflections on expectations and results, and implementation lessons; a discussion of pressing practice issues for deflection programs, including the coordination and exchange of information, connection to services, reducing stigma, and more; an analysis of project outcome findings; and a conclusion with a review of key findings regarding emerging trends, and project limitations.