In theory, most people would agree that diversion programs are an appropriate option for some people facing legal trouble for the first time — people who show potential for reform.
With overflowing jails, such programs sound even better. Until, that is, someone in one of these programs gets into trouble — even injures or kills someone. Then all the talk turns to tougher sentences and no leniency.
There’s a place for hard time, diversion programs and everything in between in our legal system. A fatal car crash in Everett last month involving a 19-year-old in the county’s drug court program might cause some to forget that, for many people who enter the programs, they do work.
It’s tempting to say that had the driver been in jail or prison instead of being a participant in a program, the tragedy wouldn’t have happened, therefore such programs aren’t successful. But this case is the exception, not the norm. One person’s behavior does not reflect such potential for everyone else in the program.
The county’s 3-year-old drug court has helped 85 people clean up their lives and get drug-free. Only two of those graduates have committed felonies. While the program is still young, such a solid record shows it’s worth keeping and developing.
Snohomish County also has a diversion program that allows those who qualify to undergo treatment and perform community service instead of going to jail. Last month a Herald article told the story of a food bank director in Snohomish County who is in the program after she was caught trying to forge a prescription for painkillers. So far, her story has a much happier ending and she has the support of her organization’s board members.
Rooting for her continued success might be far easier than supporting a young person whose legal troubles appear to have no justification or explanation. Putting these people in jail doesn’t mean they won’t cause any harm when they get out. Providing treatment, therapy and accountability for those with the potential to turn things around lessens the chance they’ll continue with their destructive lifestyles and hurt someone else.
As criminal justice costs continue to rise and the county budget gets tighter, talk of diversion programs and alternative sentencing will increase. Officials must be cautious about who they allow to enter these programs. Community safety depends on it. It makes sense, though, to allow some people a second chance.
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