Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Initiatives
Background
In partnership with the Maryland Department of Health and the Opioid Operational Command Center, the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy provides technical assistance, resources, and support to help communities develop partnerships that address substance use disorders and expand diversion programs.
Police-Led Diversion and Deflection Programs
Research shows that connecting people to treatment and support as early as possible can improve outcomes and reduce long-term costs.
The Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy supports police-led diversion and deflection programs that connect individuals with substance use disorders to treatment and community services instead of, or before, involvement in the criminal justice system.
These programs include:
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD): Connects law enforcement officers with service providers who can respond quickly and help individuals access treatment and other support services.
- Angel and Safe Station programs: Allow individuals to seek help for substance use disorders from participating law enforcement agencies without fear of arrest or prosecution for seeking assistance.
Statewide Support
The Governor's Office provides training for law enforcement and public health professionals across Maryland and administers funding through the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP), funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
In 2019, the Office received a $6.5 million federal COSSUP grant to support police-led diversion and detention-based referral programs in nine Maryland communities over four years. The program aimed to reduce opioid overdose deaths while increasing access to treatment and recovery services.
In 2022, the Office received an additional $6 million federal COSSUP grant to expand diversion and deflection programs across Maryland.
Program Evaluation
At the direction of the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, and in collaboration with program partners and technical assistance providers, the Maryland Statistical Analysis Center developed guidance for collecting and reporting data for programs funded under the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 award.
The Center also supports action-oriented research, performance measurement, and program evaluation for all funded sites.
For reporting requirements, see the following resources:
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion: Data Definitions and Reporting Guide - PDF - 178.98 KB
- Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion: Reporting Template - XLSX - 49.54 KB
To review the evaluation of sites funded under the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 award, view the Evaluation of Maryland’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program - PDF - 1.54 MB.