Understanding the Mechanisms, Contexts, and Outcomes of Police Drug Diversion Schemes in England

• In Event: Progressive Drug Policies in the U.S. and U.K - Lessons Learned

Abstract

There is increasing recognition that diverting individuals who have offended away from the criminal justice system at the earliest opportunity can provide individual benefits and reduce systemic pressures. In response, several police forces in England (and Wales) have introduced formal Police-led Drug Diversion (PDD) schemes, while others use informal approaches. These schemes emerged from the realization by senior and middle police managers and some Police and Crime Commissioners that repeatedly arresting people for low-level drug offences was costly and ineffective, prompting a shift toward education or treatment as alternatives to prosecution.

This paper presents findings from a large-scale evaluation of PDD schemes in England, based on realist synthesis of data collected from police records on over 40,000 suspects and in qualitative interviews and focus groups with more than 220 participants. We analysed these across five work packages, through which we: (a) developed an initial theory of change, (b) conducted a qualitative process evaluation, (c) performed a quantitative outcome assessment, (d) undertook a cost-consequence analysis, and (e) conducted an equity assessment. Realist synthesis (Pawson, 2006) is a theory-driven approach used to evaluate complex interventions by exploring how and why outcomes occur, how contextual factors shape these outcomes, and whether the effects can be replicated in different settings. This method is particularly suited for PDD programs, which are influenced by who delivers them, the target group, and the specific contexts in which they are implemented.

The key contribution of this research is its focus on understanding the motivations of those being diverted from the perspective of the divertees. The paper discusses the mechanisms, moderators, contexts, and implementation factors that explain how these programs work, for whom, and why and concludes with a refined programme theory of PDD.

Authors

• Mark Monaghan, Loughborough University

• Alex Stevens, University of Kent