Drug Diversion Schemes Linked to Lower Reoffending Rates, New Research Finds

New research examining more than 62,000 criminal incidents across 13 police forces in England found that police-led drug diversion schemes are associated with significantly lower reoffending rates than traditional prosecution for drug possession. Individuals who were referred to treatment or education services through diversion programmes were around one-third less likely to reoffend than those who were prosecuted.

The study also found that diversion schemes remain underused, with many eligible individuals not being referred despite established programmes in some police forces. Researchers suggest that expanding diversion initiatives could reduce pressure on the criminal justice system while improving outcomes for individuals. The findings support continued collaboration between policing and health services to address drug-related offending through evidence-informed approaches.