This study provides a detailed analysis of police-led pre-arrest jail diversion programs in Massachusetts, focusing on Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT), Co-Response programs, Mental Health First Aid, and Component programs (hybrid initiatives combining elements of CIT, co-response, and other support). We conducted a descriptive analysis using data from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health Jail Diversion Programs division, covering January 2021 to June 2022. Out of 11,982 encounters, 75% were noncriminal, and 92.3% of criminal incidents were diverted from arrest. This study underscores the varied program models implemented and highlights the importance of further research to optimize diversion strategies. These insights aim to inform policy and practice at the state and national levels, contributing to improved mental health crisis management and the decriminalization of mental illness. The findings also carry implications for forensic nursing practice, given the clinical complexity of behavioral health crisis encounters and the potential role of nursing expertise in co-response and diversion work.
Petreca et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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