The Early Diversion Program, offered by the Commonwealth Attorney Office in Prince William County, is a victim-centered, transformational justice model. It provides early interventions for cases where alleged victims do not wish to proceed, reducing criminalization, preserving jobs, and allowing families to address issues through tailored counseling and coursework.

Benefits of the Early Diversion Approach

Courts:

Reduced Caseload: Fewer trials ease the court's workload, allowing for more efficient use of judicial resources.

Efficiency: Faster case resolutions save time for judges and staff, allowing them to focus on more serious cases.

Administrative Savings: Less paperwork and reduced administrative burden streamline court operations.

Police

Focused Investigations: Police can concentrate on high-risk cases, leading to more thorough and effective investigations.

Time Management: Officers spend less time testifying in court, freeing them to perform other essential duties.

Resource Allocation: Better utilization of police resources for proactive and preventative community policing efforts.

Commonwealth Attorney’s Office:

Case Management: Streamlined case management processes reduce the workload on staff, increasing overall office efficiency.

Resource Optimization: The program is self-funded and requires no additional government funding, making it sustainable and cost-effective.

Impactful Services: High compliance rates ensure effective interventions, reducing repeat offenses and enhancing community safety.

Community and Participants:

Reduced Criminalization: Participants avoid criminal records, which helps them maintain employment and stable housing.

Preserved Jobs: By avoiding convictions, participants can keep their jobs, supporting economic stability for families.

Personal Development: Tailored counseling and coursework help participants raise their emotional intelligence and improve their relationships.

Empowerment and Education: Victims receive education on domestic violence, increasing their awareness and ability to seek help.

Program Mechanism

Using game theory principles, the program motivates participants by offering rewards such as avoiding court appearances and convictions upon successful completion. This approach saves legal costs for participants and the state, and provides an opportunity for meaningful change in cases that might otherwise be dismissed due to lack of victim cooperation. Participants are self-motivated and complete their agreed terms with minimal supervision, contributing to a high compliance rate and positive community impact.

For consulting services, please contact Thomas E. Scartz.