The decision-making power that police officers possess is a prime example of an informal diversion. Though police may occasionally be hesitant to use discretion due to the community deeming their actions as not strict enough, several programs have been established to encourage them to do so. The formal programs are mainly directed towards juvenile offenders as an effort to deter future criminal activity as early as possible. The family crisis intervention approach is an additional example of diversion approaches. Until both parties are questioned, an arrest of both parties typically occurs. Diversion efforts may be possible when an officer can identify a conflicting situation immediately, and attempt to prevent escalation that would have otherwise resulted in an …show more content…
“Therapeutic courts” such as mental health, drug, domestic violence, etc., have continued their expansion to help those under these offense categories. Drug problem-solving courts utilize diversion by applying intensive supervision and requiring the offender to participate in court-mandated treatment programs. As an effort to prevent new crime, shock incarceration and sock probation programs are designed to give offenders a preview as to what it is really like to be behind bars followed by a set time of supervised probation. Military style boot camp programs include rough physical labor, specialized education and training, military discipline and drills, counseling and treatment, etc. Boot camps generally require the inmates to enter the program as volunteers, and the incarceration program is a few months. When the offender graduates, they are released either to home confinement, intensive supervision, parole, or to some form of a community correction