Preventing Substance Use-Related Crime through Deflection

EN | Abstract: This article examines deflection as a crime prevention strategy that focuses predominantly on preventing offenses related to substance use and co-occurring disorders. Applying decades of lessons learned in crime prevention, public health, community policing, and harm reduction, deflection brings together law enforcement and community partners to improve community safety and advance public health. The authors’ literature review found that deflection is effective in reducing drug use-related criminal activity, arrest, recidivism, and overdose risk, while also serving as a promising approach to reduce social and public safety costs. Key Words: Deflection, Crime Prevention, Public Health, Community Policing, Harm Reduction, Substance Use, Co-Occurring Disorders, Recidivism, Overdose, Community Safety, Criminal Justice, SDG 1, SDG 3, SDG 5, SDG 10, SDG 16, SDG.