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Tuesday, April 23, 2024

DA Baratta Announces Treatment Initiative For Substance Use Disorder

On April 17, DA Attorney Steve Baratta advised NorCo Council that the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), first started by Josh Shapiro when he was Attorney General, is making its way to Courtroom #1 on May 29, 1 pm. Baratta said that law enforcement is involved, but it's really more of a social services program designed to encourage police officers to refer people who commit petty offenses to immediate treatment. If the person can remain sober or clean, police would then decline to prosecute. It enables an addicted person to focus on recovery instead of criminal charges. "That kind of program is designed to make the community safer, not by arresting and incarcerating, but by healing people with substance use disorders," he said. He emphasized that the program is not for more serious offenses. "It's not a panacea, but there's nothing we can do that's going to solve everything."

The program costs nothing. "I can tell you it's going to help some people, and that's a good thing." 

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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousApril 23, 2024 at 9:16 AM

    Isn’t there an existing vehicle that they could use to implement this program, Drug Court?

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  2. Bernie O'HareApril 23, 2024 at 9:19 AM

    Drug court is for people after charges have been filed. From what I understand, this diversionary program is for before charges are even filed, and police appear to play a big role. I don't think it's a total solution but can see it might help in some cases.

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    Replies
    1. AnonymousApril 23, 2024 at 10:35 AM

      I totally applaud the effort, not downing it by any means. We need more of this. I believe that most Drug Courts across the state are diversionary (as opposed to post-conviction) and do involve law enforcement in the process. Just seems that this program would work better under the current structure that exists as opposed to splitting resources. Of course this would require amendments to the current program.

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