Philadelphia’s Special Committee on Kensington is pressing officials on the cost and impact of diversion programs keeping low-level offenders, including those with drug charges, out of jail.
The hearing that lasted five hours last Wednesday focused on spending, success rates, and potential changes.
District Attorney Larry Krasner, as well as Chief Public Safety Director Adam Geer, defended the programs, arguing they reduce recidivism and provide alternatives for individuals with substance use disorders.
City data shows that about 10% of Police-Assisted Diversion (PAD) program participants re-enter, with only 1.5% referring a third time.
Kensington’s PAD office offers pre-booking diversion for certain low-level offenses, while the new Wellness Court, launched in January, integrates legal and social services. Additional programs, such as the Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP Court) and Drug Treatment Court, aim to divert nonviolent offenders from incarceration.
Challenges include accessibility, funding, and housing availability. Research indicates gaps between promised and provided services, especially in securing stable housing. Advocates argue for increased resources, including social workers, to track program outcomes and assist participants.
The Kensington Committee and the Special Committee on Kensington are weighing program cuts but struggle to measure success.
Experts recommend assessing reductions in incarceration and healthcare costs as key indicators. Officials remain split, some prioritizing reform and others advocating for expansion to strengthen the program’s impact.
