Plain English Breakdown
The official text contains conflicting dates (January vs. September) for the final report deadline in 2031.
Renaming and Expanding Diversion Programs for Low-Level Offenses
This law renames the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program to Alternatives to Arrest, expands it to Los Angeles and up to three other areas chosen by a board, and changes rules so officers can refer more people to services instead of arresting them.
What This Bill Does
- Renames the current pilot program from Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) to Alternatives to Arrest (ATA).
- Requires grants for public health agencies in Los Angeles City and County, plus up to three other jurisdictions chosen by the board.
- Removes old rules that required proof of past drug or prostitution activity before an officer can make a social contact referral.
- Allows officers to refer people if there is no probable cause to arrest, they believe the person needs help, are at high risk of future arrest, and agree to join voluntarily.
- Adds new crimes like shoplifting and disorderly conduct to the list of offenses eligible for diversion referrals.
- Requires local areas to use state funds alongside their own money so that existing support services are not replaced.
Who It Names or Affects
- People who commit low-level crimes such as drug possession, prostitution, shoplifting, or disorderly conduct.
- Law enforcement officers in Los Angeles and other selected jurisdictions who make referrals to social services.
- The Board of State and Community Corrections which manages the grants and program standards.
- Public health and behavioral health agencies that provide case management services.
Terms To Know
- Alternatives to Arrest (ATA)
- A renamed state pilot program where officers refer people to social services instead of arresting them for certain low-level crimes.
- Social contact referral
- When an officer connects a person with help programs without making an arrest, based on the belief that the person is at high risk of future arrest and would benefit from services.
- Supplant local resources
- Using state money to replace or take over funding that local areas were already spending on these services.
Limits and Unknowns
- The program depends on future funding approval by the Legislature before it can start.
- Only up to three jurisdictions outside of Los Angeles will receive grants, and their names are not listed yet.
- Local areas must get agreement from police chiefs or sheriffs, city attorneys or district attorneys, and health agencies before adding new crimes like shoplifting to their referral lists.