This month’s guest speakers were two people whose agencies participate in the LEAD program. Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion is a 4 year pilot that explores an alternative to arrest, prosecution and jail for low level drug and prostitution offenses. If an offender meets certain criteria, he/she may be invited to participate in the program that offers social services such as drug rehabilitation, mental health services, housing, etc. So far it appears that it is a very good program; they are preparing to ask that permanent funds be appropriated. But first UW will do an independent analysis of the program to show with data whether it is helping the clients and the community.
North Precinct crime statistics year-to-date show residential burglaries down 12%; rapes up 25% (from 12 to 15); robberies down 15%; car thefts up 51%. Car theft is currently a big problem, about 209 per month occurring. SPD is working on the problem.
To read more about LEAD, and for other precinct news, read the minutes here.
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