July 14-20 is National Deflection Week. Let’s recognize the transformative impact that deflection can have on individuals and communities.
What is Deflection?
Deflection involves law enforcement officers and first responders guiding individuals towards substance misuse treatment and recovery options instead of incarceration. This proactive approach not only addresses the root causes of use but also promotes healthier, safer communities.
CODAC, in partnership with Tucson Police Department, has participated in a deflection program since 2018. Since the program’s inception, 1,051 individuals have been offered hope through deflection to treatment at CODAC through this community collaboration. The program is a nationally recognized alternative to traditional law enforcement responses to individuals with substance misuse disorders or mental health concerns.
The Benefits of a Deflection Program to the Community
- Reduced Overcrowding in Jails: By diverting individuals from the criminal justice system, deflection helps relieve the burden on jails and courts, allowing these resources to focus on more serious offenses.
- Improved Public Health: Connecting individuals to mental health and substance use treatment improves overall community health and safety, reducing the spread of infectious diseases and lowering the rates of overdose deaths.
- Strengthened Community Trust: Deflection fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and community members. When police are seen as allies in addressing social issues, community trust and cooperation increase.
- Changing Perceptions: Deflection programs shift the narrative from punishment to rehabilitation. By treating substance use and mental health issues as public health concerns rather than criminal acts, stigma is significantly reduced.
- Cost Savings: Deflection programs provide significant cost savings to community resources and time. By diverting individuals from the criminal justice system and addressing root causes of substance use, deflection alleviates the burden on jails and courts, allows resources to focus on more serious offenses and promotes the recovery of individuals.
- A 2022 study by The Southwest Institute for Research on Women indicated that if 20 percent of thedeflection incidents prevented one night in jail, the program saved the local justice system $48,564. The study also found that avoiding convictions in 10 percent of these cases resulted in a savings of $601,512 in justice system expenses.
Encouraging Help-Seeking Behavior: When individuals know they can receive help without the fear of legal repercussions, they are more likely to seek treatment. This can lead to earlier interventions and better long-term outcomes.“Deflection recognizes the dignity and potential of every person,” says CODAC’s Chief Clinical Officer Dan Barden.
“Comprehensive support and resources empower individuals to reclaim control over their lives. This holistic approach not only offers opportunities to break free from grip of drugs and alcohol but also fosters a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Harm reduction and treatment interventions can help guide individuals towards a healthier, more fulfilling future.”
Source: Korchmaros, J.D., Bentele, K.G, Granillo, B., & Mcollister, K. (2022). Costs, Cost Savings, and Effectiveness of a Police-led Pre-arrest Deflection Program. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona, Southwest Institute for Research on Women.
