Title: Exploring the Value of Deflection in Reducing Crime, Preventing Overdose, and Building Trust: A Roundtable Discussion
What are the purpose and goal(s) of the event?
• Discuss the metrics by which police leaders measure program success of deflection programs to include reductions in crime, police contacts, and overdoses, as well as administrative and cost factors.
• Discuss community narratives around crime, safety, and public health in communities with deflection programs
What are the objectives of the roundtable?
• Review and gather evidence that demonstrates the value of deflection programs in enhancing public safety by reducing crime, recidivism, and overdoses
• Increase understanding about the benefits to agencies and officers that participate in deflection programs, including saving time and money, building relationships with community-based partners and cross-system stakeholders, and enhancing community trust and good will
• Gather input from IACP leaders and members; police, behavioral health practitioners, and research partners working in the field about:
o Local narratives around deflection programs and how both anecdotal and empirical evidence back those up?
o Diversity and equity considerations in the delivery of treatment and services
• Expand knowledge about effective strategies for improving outcomes for people with SUDs and other at-risk individuals
• Promote deflection-related resources created in partnership with CHJ and funded by BJA
What are the expected outcomes of the roundtable?
• An increased understanding of factors that make deflection programs effective at reducing crime, recidivism, and overdoses
• Recognition of strategies for creating cross-sector collaboration and partnerships
• Identification of gaps in the field that may require additional resources and research, and how to address those
• Identification of resources that would be most beneficial to the field
• Equip police leaders about how to better communicate the value of their programs
• Develop law enforcement champions to help promote deflection strategies
What need would this roundtable fill for the policing field?
Police know they’re facing an overdose crisis which is costing lives and public safety resources, and experience conflicting political opinions about the value of deflection programs to address this crisis. This roundtable is meant to gather real-world perspectives from the field to support police leaders in communications and program efforts.
Facilitated Discussion
• What types of measures are you using to capture the impact of your deflection program?
o Reductions in crime, recidivism, and overdoses?
o Administrative factors such as cost savings or call time efficiencies?
o What have been your successes and challenges in achieving reductions?
• What benefits have you (your agency or officers) experienced due to the program?
o Better relationships with the community?
o … with justice-involved community members?
o …with officer wellness?
• What is the community narrative around your program?
• In what ways are you focusing on racial equity and diversity?
• How do your partners help communicate about your program?
• How else can police leaders help communicate the value deflection programs?
o Are there resources you need to be able to do this more effectively?
• What other resources does your agency or officers need to enhance or expand your deflection efforts?
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