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News

LEAD® in the News 

LEAD is named as a best practice in the United Nations "International Guidelines on Human Rights & Drug Policy"

United Nations, 2019

The International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy addresses the intersectionality between human rights concerns and drug policy, while also providing an all-inclusive set of international legal standards that center human dignity and sustainable development in Member State responses to drug economies. 

KIRO-7 Program Sends Criminals to Treatment Instead of Jail Story

KIRO-7 on October 30, 2019

Wonderful interviews with LEAD alumni Denis and Kristina in this piece by KIRO-7 reporter, Amy Clancy, talking about the reputation LEAD has gained on the streets and why the approach is so effective in supporting stabilization and recovery for many.

Randomized Controlled Trial of Harm Reduction Treatment for Alcohol (HaRT-A) for People Experiencing Homelessness and Alcohol Use Disorder

International Journal of Drug Policy - May 2019, Volume 67, Pages 24-33

How to actually reduce harmful substance use? A new randomized controlled trial shows that a harm reduction-based intervention reduces use of alcohol. The project was led by the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) research team at the University of Washington HaRRT Center, Dr. Susan Collins and Dr. Seema Clifasefi, and also involved our esteemed colleague at the Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), Daniel Malone.

Jayapal brings a Seattle idea for fighting opioid crisis to D.C.

Crosscut - March 21, 2018

What was once a first-of-its-kind jail diversion program between Seattle police and local case workers may soon land on the desk of President Donald Trump, a man known more for his threats to execute drug dealers than his willingness to find new solutions to an out-of-control opioid epidemic.

 

But first-term Seattle Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is finding support on both sides of the aisle for funding the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program (LEAD) in the 2019 federal budget.

Lessons from Seattle: How this alternative to jail may be a solution for Utah

Deseret Sun - December 20, 2017

When it comes to helping heroin addicts on the street kick the habit, Seattle has come up with an innovative, albeit controversial approach.

Instead of sending low-level drug offenders to jail, police can refer suspects to LEAD, which provides them with intensive long-term case management and a chance to change their lives.

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Bureau Announcements  

LEAD National Support Bureau Announces Expansion in 2017 with the Hire of Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox

On Monday, December 19th, Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox announced his intention to retire from the department and transition to a leadership role with the LEAD® National Support Bureau (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion). Cox’s twenty-two-year career with the Albany Police Department was marked by accomplishments that have been recognized nationally and internationally. The Bureau provides technical assistance and guidance to jurisdictions across the country which are interested in developing LEAD programs. In joining the Bureau, Cox will bring his knowledge and experience to support LEAD sites across the country.

Atlanta and Fulton County Join Forces to Design Innovative New Public Safety Initiative

New initiative launched at community event offers solutions instead of punishment for residents struggling with mental illness, drug addiction & poverty 

New National Criminal Justice and Drug Policy Project Launches to Support Cities and Counties Across the U.S. in Improving Public Safety and Public Health

Today, the Public Defender Association and the Katal Center for Health, Equity, and Justice ‎announced the formation of the LEAD National Support Bureau‎ as a‎ response to the increasing national demand for support of much needed, evidence-based alternatives to the normal – and broken -- criminal justice system cycle.

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