Essay On Diversion Programs

The criminal justice system utilizes the application of diversion programs as a means of helping defendants become more productive, law-abiding citizens. This occurs when the formal proceedings against an accused individual are suspended while the defendant participates in a court supervised treatment program. This is commonly implemented in cases of drug possession or when the defendant has an obvious problem with substance abuse. Upon successful completion of the diversion program, the defendant’s charges can be dismissed.
The prosecutor plays a central role in the diversion process by deciding who is eligible for such programs. Factors that are considered include the nature of the crime, a defendant’s willingness to cooperate with program
Those that become members of Drug Court, for instance, must participate in recovery classes, take regular drug tests, and learn relapse prevent strategies, which can help members overcome addiction. In doing so, this program decreases the odds that members will recidivate.
Critics of diversion programs contest that these programs increase the contact of offenders with the justice system. This also increases court congestion, since most of offenders that become members of diversion programs are the ones most likely to have their charges dismissed with a warning or a small fine. Some research suggests that diversion programs don’t have a substantial impact on recidivism, therefore, should not be implemented in the justice system, for it wastes valuable time.
Diversion programs need to be expanded, because they are effective, to some degree, at reducing the rate of reoffending. If these programs are expanded and provide more in-depth forms of treatment, the rate of recidivism can be reduced even further. On a more personal level, every offender that becomes a member of such programs, has a chance at becoming a productive member of society that doesn’t have to live in active addiction. Diversion programs can save lives and make the communities safer