Requesting Increased Interagency Coordination And Collaboration Between County Law Enforcement Agencies, Social Service Providers, And Other Stakeholders To Assist And Divert More Individuals From The Criminal Justice System.
The resolution builds upon the successful model of the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program initially implemented in King County, Washington. This model has shown promise in reducing recidivism rates and improving the overall well-being of participants by providing immediate psychosocial assessment, crisis response, substance use treatment, and connections to stable housing. If adopted in Hawaii, it is expected to result in significant improvements in how law enforcement addresses low-level offenses related to poverty, substance use, and mental health, thereby relieving some burden on the criminal justice system.
HCR128 is a House Concurrent Resolution aimed at enhancing interagency coordination and collaboration among county law enforcement agencies, social service providers, and other stakeholders in Hawaii. The resolution stresses the importance of a coordinated approach when law enforcement interacts with individuals facing challenges such as homelessness or behavioral health issues, including substance abuse. The goal of the resolution is to divert these individuals from the criminal justice system and provide them with necessary supports and resources to facilitate their rehabilitation and stability in the community.
Some notable points of contention surrounding HCR128 might include concerns over the allocation of resources toward the training of law enforcement and social service personnel, as mentioned in the bill. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of existing social services and whether the proposed interagency collaboration can actually lead to the desired outcomes without increasing the complexity of an already strained system. The necessity for tangible outcomes and the effectiveness of collaboration among multiple stakeholders will likely be critical points for discussion among legislators and community advocates.