Mapping Police Diversion Programs: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Implementation and Sustainment Using the EPIS Model

• In Event: Models of Police Diversion at the Point of Arrest

Abstract

To inform practitioners and researchers aiming to identify appropriate police diversion programs for their community needs, our research team mapped concepts and promising practices of various models onto the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) implementation science framework (Moullin et al., 2019). We conducted in-depth interviews with organizational leaders (N=44) and identified factors to increase the effectiveness and uptake of police diversion programs. Findings suggest outer context components should be considered prior to and during implementation of police diversion programs and include political will, quantity and quality of existing community resources and services, and funding availability. Partnership building was also a key component of success that emerged as a main finding. Potential implementation sites should evaluate and build upon existing collaborations between key players. Innovation factors include program adaptability and the accessibility of technical assistance. Finally, implementation teams should consider inner context components. Buy-in from law enforcement and partners must be strengthened. Implementers must also refine program eligibility criteria and inter-agency referral processes.
Moullin, J.C., Dickson, K.S., Stadnick, N.A., Rabin, B., & Aarons, G.A. (2019). Systematic review of the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Implementation Science, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13012-018-0842-6

Author

• Jenny Afkinich, North Carolina A&T State University