I understand that substance abuse is a public health problem. From both a humanitarian perspective and a fiscal perspective, I believe that the district attorney’s office should address the root causes of crime, which very often involve substance abuse. Accordingly, as an alternative to traditional prosecution, my administration will offer criminal case diversion to non-violent offenders who are suffering with addiction. The program would divert these select individuals into programs before they are arraigned in court, protecting them from having a criminal record, provided the program in which they are enrolled is successfully completed.

I will commit resources to ensure that the drug treatment programs are educationally relevant, structured, accountable, and available to offenders. I will partner with service providers like the Salvation Army, the Sheriff’s Department, and local treatment facilities to provide effective diversion programs.

A diversion program can provide important education, mental health counseling, and the intensive treatment necessary to end addiction. These efforts can be fiscally prudent because they prevent repeat offenses. Indeed, the goal is to address the root causes of criminal behavior and encourage a future of sobriety that is productive and free of crime.