What is Diversion?

Diversion refers to programs that divert people from the traditional criminal justice system before incarceration. Drug addiction, mental health, and systemic poverty drive crime in our region. Diversion programs allow us to intervene and connect people with appropriate treatment and life-skills training while avoiding the negative collateral consequences associated with incarceration and the criminal justice process.

Diversion Pathways

St. Louis County offers three levels of diversion. At the Law Enforcement Level, the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program diverts low-level offenders prior to arrest. Once charges are referred, diversion can take place at the Prosecutor Level through Prosecutor Led Diversion. At the Judicial Level, treatment courts administered by the St. Louis County Circuit Court divert individuals into specific treatment programs. Treatment courts include the Mental Health Court, the DWI Court, the Veteran’s Court, and the Drug Court.

Why Diversion?

1. Addresses the root causes of crime and allows individuals to get the treatment they need

2. Allows individuals to avoid the negative collateral consequences related to the criminal justice process, including:

•Loss of employment

•Loss of housing

•Loss of benefits

•Burden of time and money spent on jail time and court appearances

•Permanent criminal record

3. Gives individuals the opportunity to succeed in becoming law-abiding members of society and reduces the chance of recidivism or escalation of criminal behavior

4. Frees up police, prosecutor, and court resources to focus on serious and violent offenses that have the most significant impact on public safety

Questions? Send an email to diversionstlpa@stlouiscountymo.gov