Policing Alternatives & Diversion (PAD) Initiative
Police–Community Relations
The Policing Alternatives and Diversion (PAD) Initiativeprovides alternate first response and diversion to supportive services for people who are experiencing extreme poverty, problematic substance use, and/or mental health concerns. PAD works with city, university and transit police departments to promote the use of deflection and pre-arrest diversion strategies, including training officers, engaging officers at roll calls, and responding directly to officer requests for outreach, pre-arrest diversion in the field, and transportation to the 24/7 Diversion Center. By reducing the use of arrest and incarceration and increasing access to community resources,PAD fostersa new approachto community safety and wellness.
Grant Partner Since: 2023
NFL Funding Supports:
- Provision ofalternative to criminal legal system involvement throughpre- and post-arrest diversion for people detained by law enforcement who are experiencing challenges with mental health, substance use, and/or extreme poverty.
- Alternative response to people referredthrough City of Atlanta 311 related to quality-of-life concerns, such as public disturbances, panhandling, and urban camping.
- Reducing barriers to stability and increase community connections through care navigation, emergency housing, connections to physical and mental healthcare, and legal advocacy.
- Providing training to the community on effective, compassionate methods for deescalating crises, addressing mental health challenges, and connecting people to supportive resources.