Lead Agency: City of Philadelphia: Managing Director's Office of Criminal Justice
Program Name: PAD
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Partner Agencies: Police Departments, Fire/EMS Departments, Public Health agencies, Behavioral Health agencies, Peer organizations, Family and Advocacy organizations, Managing Director's Office of Criminal Justice, District Attorney's Office, Defender's Association of Philadelphia, and Adult Probation and Parole
Site population: 1,500,000
Pathway: Self-Referral, Active Outreach, Officer Prevention
Year Started: 2017
Website: https://www.phillypolice.com/programs-services/pad/
Summary:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Police-Assisted Diversion (PAD) program is designed to divert individuals whose criminal behavior is driven primarily by opioid misuse and other co-occurring conditions such as mental health needs. The program is currently available in three police districts. Individuals stopped by police in the pilot zones for low-level, non-violent drug purchasing or possession, retail theft, or commercial sex work are offered a referral to the PAD program in lieu of arrest. The PAD program provides individuals with certified recovery specialists who provide support accessing treatment and recovery support services.
