Diversion & Treatment

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Featured Resource

Research has shown that incarceration may not always be the most effective solution for certain crimes and certain situations. To achieve better results, diversion and treatment must be taken into consideration. These programs can vary wildly with approaches often tailored to each jurisdiction. Our resources explore what has worked in offices across the country and what challenges have been faced as these diversion programs are implemented. 

  • mental illness report

    Victims, Witnesses, and Defendants with Mental Illness or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

    Authors: Arc, NAMI, PCE

    Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or mental illness are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, as victims, witnesses, suspects, and defendants. In an effort to inform prosecutors’ strategies when working with these individuals, PCE, in collaboration with the Arc and NAMI, has developed this guide.

    The guide includes the following information:

    • An overview of I/DD and mental illness and the legal obligations involved when interacting with people with I/ DD or mental illness
    • Practical approaches for prosecutors to more effectively work with these populations, as victims, witnesses, or defendants
    • Examples of programs that prosecutors have either created or participated in that address the involvement of persons with I/DD or mental illness in the criminal justice system
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Additional PCE Resources

Prosecutor Data Dashboards

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To increase transparency and inform the public about the criminal justice system, prosecutor offices have developed data dashboards. The comprehensive public data and resources provide a detailed view of the role of the prosecutor.

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New PCE Report: Investigating Opioid Overdose Deaths

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Author: PCE

To combat the opioid crisis, prosecutors and their partners must adopt multi-disciplinary approaches that provide solutions on a case-by-case basis. This report provides guidance for prosecutors on investigative steps and decision making, various examples of how prosecutor offices of all sizes have addressed these complex issues, and a self-survey to evaluate an office’s capacity to handle opioid-related challenges.

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