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Deflection Program

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Deflection Program

The Columbia County Deflection Program is an initiative designed to support individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Participants are offered the chance to connect with resources that foster recovery, accountability, and long-term stability, as either a deflection or pre arrest diversion.

"Deflection: occurs when law enforcement officers or other first responders connect people to community-based treatment and/or services when an arrest would not have been necessary or permitted or instead of taking no action. Pre-arrest diversion occurs when law enforcement officers connect people who would have been eligible for criminal charges to community-based treatment and services in lieu of arrest, thereby diverting them from the criminal justice system." - Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) & Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP)

Currently the program accepts referrals from three different referral pathway's, Officer Intervention, First Responder/Officer Prevention, and Community Response.

Officer Intervention: This pathway is specific to Law enforcement agencies only as these referrals happen during patrol and response to a service call during which criminal charges would normally be filed. Once referred the participant's charges are held in abeyance until 90 days of engagement in the program are completed.

First Responder/Officer Prevention: As a preventative measure officers or other first responders refer an individual to the deflection program after responding to a service call or during routine activates seek out and engage those struggling with substance use disorder.

Community Response: A community treatment provider or community program refers an individual they know to be struggling with SUD, and who could use resources such as housing, treatment, parenting classes, and more.

This innovative program reflects a community-first approach, prioritizing treatment over punishment.

By partnering with:

Local Law Enforcement,
The District Attorney’s Office, and
Community Providers,

the program helps individuals address the root causes of their struggles, offering a clear path forward.

With 90 days of successful engagement, participants may have their cases classified as “No Action,” allowing them to move forward without prosecution or a criminal record. Or have

To learn more about the Deflection Program, visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

Deflection Office Hours: