LEAD is a form of police-led diversion for low-level offenders – especially drug offenders – that has proliferated across the U.S. As an epidemic of opioid addiction has swept across the nation, numerous cities have responded programmatically, and many have implemented, adopted, or are exploring their own versions of LEAD.
Albany was the third city to implement a LEAD program, and with DCJS support the Institute conducted a process evaluation of Albany’s program during its preparatory phase and its first year of operation. With support from the National Institute of Justice, we conducted additional inquiry that further informs our understanding of Albany’s LEAD program.
Supported by NYS DCJS [December, 2015 – June, 2017]
Publications, Reports and Presentations
Robert E. Worden and Sarah J. Mclean, 2018. “Discretion and Diversion in Albany’s LEAD Program,” Criminal Justice Policy Review 29 (6-7): 585-610
Sarah J. McLean, Robert E. Worden, and Caitlin J. Dole, 2017. Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion: The View from the Street. Report to the Albany Police Department. Albany, NY: John Finn Institute for Public Safety.
Robert E. Worden, Sarah J. McLean, and Caitlin J. Dole, 2017. Albany’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion: A Process Evaluation. Report to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Albany, NY: John F. Finn Institute for Public Safety, Inc.