The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, launched in Frederick County in 2022, aims to reduce low-level offenses by redirecting individuals involved in non-violent crimes towards risk-reduction services rather than traditional criminal justice pathways. This community-based initiative seeks to address underlying issues such as substance use, homelessness, and mental health challenges, ultimately stabilizing individuals and decreasing the likelihood of repeat offenses.
According to the Frederick County Health Department, the program has made notable strides since its inception. In fiscal year 2026, LEAD successfully diverted nine individuals from arrest and evaluated 45 others for potential participation. The program welcomed 24 new participants, processed 48 case management files, and received 36 contact referrals, demonstrating its growing impact on the community.
The types of comprehensive support available to participants include housing assistance, addiction treatment services, and peer case management. The county’s assessment suggests that these resources contribute to a significant reduction in calls for service related to low-level offenses, fostering a safer community environment for all residents.
Various local agencies, including the Frederick Police Department, the MD Office of the Public Defender, and the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office, collaborate to support the LEAD initiative. Their collective efforts aim to enhance public safety while providing individuals with the tools needed to achieve stability in their lives.
Source: Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook) — original post
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Read the original article at Frederick County Government