Drug diversion schemes cut reoffending rates more than prosecution, study says

A study of over 62,000 criminal incidents across 13 English police forces shows that drug diversion schemes steering people toward treatment and education reduce reoffending rates by a third compared to prosecution. The research demonstrates that decriminalization-style interventions are significantly more effective than traditional criminal justice approaches.

Evidence-based criminal justice reform can improve individual outcomes while enhancing public safety. This research contributes to global conversations about more effective drug policy and rehabilitation-centered approaches.

Exclusive: Research in England shows people a third less likely to reoffend under decriminalisation-style schemes Drug diversion schemes led by police that steer people away from the criminal justice system and into treatment and education services are significantly more effective in reducing reoffending than prosecution, according to a new analysis. Researchers examined outcomes across 13 English police forces and more than 62,000 criminal incidents over the past four years, finding that people whose cases were dealt with through decriminalisation-style diversion schemes were a third less likely to reoffend than similar individuals prosecuted for drug possession. Continue reading...