Beyond the Bust—Using Arrest Alternatives to Reduce Overdoses and Engage Communities

Monday, October 21, 2024

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET

Location: 205A

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Karen Maline

Project Manager
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Speaker(s)

Nicholas Capriglione

Inspector/Commanding Officer
New Jersey Transit Police Department
Newark, New Jersey, United States
Steven D'Agata

Chief of Police
Village of Liberty (NY) Police Department
Liberty, New York, United States
Brittney Garrett

Senior Director of Public Safety Engagement and Strategy
Police Assistance Addiction and Recovery Initiative
Louisville, Kentucky, United States

Alternatives to arrest, like pre-arrest deflection programs, give officers proactive options when responding to people with substance use disorders (SUDs) who are at risk of overdose (OD). Research shows that, while traditional enforcement activities can lead to an increase in ODs, police-led programs that divert these at-risk individuals to treatment and services can prevent criminal offending, improve participant health, and promote community engagement. Effective officer engagement in these programs can maximize community impact and enhance officers’ job satisfaction. Presenters in this session will share strategies for implementing deflection programs in large and small jurisdictions, discuss how deflection promotes trust and engagement, and list strategies for obtaining the necessary officer support.