Deflection: Reducing Crime Through Public Health Partnerships

Session Description: Deflection is an upstream approach that connects people with substance use disorder (SUD) to treatment and recovery services before their drug use increases the likelihood that they become (further) involved in the criminal justice system. This session will examine peer-reviewed research demonstrating that deflection reduces future criminal involvement, improves treatment engagement, and enhances public safety. Presenters will review findings from evaluations of programs in Lake County, Illinois; Tucson, Arizona; Madison, Wisconsin; North Carolina; and other jurisdictions, highlighting measurable outcomes, implementation lessons, and factors that contribute to successful programs. Drawing on their law enforcement experience and national work supporting deflection initiatives, the presenters will discuss how public safety and public health systems can collaborate to address substance use-related crime. Participants will learn key components of effective deflection efforts, including developing strong partnerships among law enforcement, EMS, behavioral health providers, healthcare systems, and community organizations; creating accessible referral pathways; collecting meaningful data; and sustaining programs over time. The session will also explore the historical foundations of deflection through the philosophies of Chief August Vollmer (considered the founder of modern American Policing) and Sir Robert Peel (the founder of modern policing), highlighting the longstanding recognition that effective policing requires understanding and addressing the underlying causes of crime. By combining research, history, and real-world implementation experience, this session will provide attendees with practical strategies to reduce substance use-related crime, improve community safety, and expand access to treatment and recovery supports.