How to Increase Participation in your Diversion Program

Diversion programs offer defendants an opportunity to avoid traditional penalties, but participation rates often remain low due to a lack of awareness. Many individuals are simply unaware that such programs exist, leading them to take the path of least resistance—paying their ticket without considering alternatives. Implementing strategies to increase awareness and streamline the enrollment process can significantly boost participation rates.

Why Do Pre-Screen Programs Yield the Best Results?

One of the primary reasons pre-screen programs are so effective is that most defendants do not know about diversion programs in the first place. When individuals receive a citation, the only information they are typically provided with is how to pay their ticket at the clerk’s office. As a result, only those facing severe consequences, such as license suspension due to excessive points, take the initiative to contact a prosecutor for alternatives. This means many defendants who qualify for a diversion program simply pay their tickets, unaware of a better option.

Pre-screening and automatic enrollment of eligible participants can significantly increase participation. When defendants who qualify are automatically enrolled in the diversion program, they no longer need to be aware of the program or take the initiative to apply. This not only benefits defendants but also serves the interests of prosecutors. More cases are dismissed, leading to increased fee revenue, and prosecutors spend less time on minor traffic cases, allowing them to focus on more pressing matters.

Strategies to Increase Awareness and Participation

1. Implement Pre-Screening and Automatic Enrollment

By identifying eligible participants early and enrolling them automatically, courts can eliminate the burden of awareness and application from defendants. This proactive approach ensures eligible program participants are made aware of the diversion program and reduces the administrative workload of prosecutors and court staff.

2. Provide Informational Materials at the Time of Citation

One simple and effective way to increase awareness is by issuing informational “cop cards” at the time of citation. These cards should include clear details on where to find information such as how to enroll or apply, eligibility criteria, program requirements, and the benefits of participation. While not everyone who receives a card will be eligible, this approach will significantly improve overall awareness and participation.

3. Leverage Digital and Mail Notifications

Sending follow-up emails or letters to eligible participants with details about the diversion program can further increase participation. Many defendants may overlook or forget about the program after receiving their citation, so reminders can be an effective nudge toward enrollment.

4. Simplify the Enrollment Process

Making the enrollment process as seamless as possible is crucial. If defendants must go through a complex application process, many will choose the easier path—paying the fine. Courts should aim for a system where eligible individuals are enrolled automatically or can complete enrollment with minimal effort.

5. Collaborate with Law Enforcement and Court Clerks

Training officers and court clerks to inform defendants about diversion programs at the time of citation or payment can further boost awareness. These frontline individuals play a critical role in ensuring defendants know all of their options.

Increasing participation in diversion programs requires a combination of proactive outreach, streamlined enrollment, and enhanced awareness efforts. By implementing pre-screening programs, distributing informational materials at the time of citation, and simplifying the enrollment process, courts can ensure that more eligible defendants take advantage of these beneficial programs. Not only does this approach benefit defendants, but it also allows prosecutors to focus their time and resources on more significant cases, creating a win-win scenario for all parties involved.

Contact Diversion Manager

If you need the support of our fully functional platform which can be configured to accommodate the automation and management of alternative programs with advanced workflow, communication, reporting, and integration with your case management system, then you need Advent Diversion Manager. Go to the Diversion Manager website to learn more and to schedule a demonstration of our fully functional platform.