Public Defender Lisa Daugaard Is Credited For Pushing The LEAD Program
People who are convicted of nonviolent “street crimes,” such as prostitution, drug dealers, and substance possession are often thrown in jail or prison. Advocacy groups have pointed out that incarceration greatly increases the chances of recidivism without rehabilitating the offenders involved. But because these crimes affect public safety, law enforcement officials don’t want to turn a blind eye to them altogether.
That’s why Seattle is experimenting with a brand new program.
It’s known as Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (or LEAD), and its goal is to provide an opportunity for low-level street criminals to avoid jail or prison time by completing a court-ordered program that aims to break the cycle of illegal behavior. It’s a four-year, $950,000 pilot program which was completely funded by private sources. LEAD combines such services as job training, drug addiction treatment, housing assistance, and educational opportunities in a program that is specifically tailored to the individual needs of the offender.
LEAD is a collaborative effort of a diverse group of people which includes Seattle police officers, prosecutors, ACLU representatives, and members of neighborhood groups. The hand-picked enrollees are assessed and then presented with services that will help them turn their lives around and become productive members of society. Lisa Daugaard of the The Defender Association spoke to the Seattle PI about the program:
Funding from five organizations will provide assistance for 100 to 120 people each year, though that may vary depending of the needs of the arrestees, Daugaard said. With across-the-board cuts to social services, LEAD may be a lifeline for addicts and small-time dealers who’re stuck on the streets, the public defender continued. “There’s no drug treatment on demand, there’s no housing on demand,” said Daugaard, deputy director of The Defender Association. LEAD, she continued, may be the only way for arrestees to connect with help.
Daugaard also noted that the present approach – lock up or ignore drug users on the streets – is the most expensive option available.
It’s unclear whether the program will achieve its goal of lowering recidivism rates for its participants. But LEAD represents a commitment to innovative thinking and trying new ideas in an effort to combat drug crime and prostitution while keeping Seattle’s streets safe. That in itself is a sign of progress and optimism.