Health effects of police diversion [CAG Pilot]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The health effects of police diversion for drug-involved suspects
IRAS ID
326555
Contact name
Alex Stevens
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
We are studying the effect of ‘police diversion’ on people who have some involvement in use of controlled drugs. ‘Police diversion’ happens when someone is in contact with the police, for example because they have been found in possession of controlled drugs, and is offered an alternative solution instead of traditional punishments such as a caution or charge. The alternative solution might include educational programmes, one-to-one support, and referral to structured treatment for drug dependence. These schemes exist in some police forces and not others. Currently, the benefits of police diversion are not well understood. Our research will estimate the effect of the schemes on reoffending rates and health outcomes. We will work with several police forces, who will send us data about individuals who are suspected of offenses related to drugs. We will then use national police and health databases to measure outcomes for these individuals. Our main analysis will be based on comparing individuals in areas with diversion schemes to those in areas without these schemes. The research is funded by the Cabinet Office (a department of the UK government).
REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EE/0114
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion