Costs, Cost Savings, and Effectiveness of a Police-led Pre-arrest Deflection Program

The purpose of the present study was to examine the costs, effectiveness, and related cost savings of a police-led pre-arrest deflection program. Study findings indicate that pre-arrest deflection programs are generally as effective, and in some ways more effective, than arrest at reducing substance misuse, criminal activity, and mental health issues. Moreover, pre-arrest deflection programs have other benefits, including more efficient use of police officer time in responding to calls for service, decreased justice involvement for individuals who have substance use issues, and, consequently, substantial potential cost savings to the justice system. Pre-arrest deflection programs are cost-efficient and effective at addressing community safety and well-being concerns. Pre-arrest deflection programs serve as an alternative response that can address calls for service and community safety issues while providing an individualized response that can save police officer time, allowing police to spend more time on other calls for service. Important elements of pre-arrest deflection programs designed to decrease substance misuse, criminal activity, and mental health issues include eligibility criteria related to treatment readiness and partnerships with community-based entities to provide housing support. Substantial cost savings to the justice system could be utilized to otherwise address and prevent substance misuse and increase the well-being and safety of the community.