Incarceration has far-reaching effects on an individual’s life. Setting aside the psychological impacts being locked up can have on a person, a criminal history can preclude people from employment, housing, and financial assistance, even if the offenses are non-violent or low-level. This can put a significant strain on a person’s well-being and success, as well as that of their family, and can cause them to reoffend in order to make ends meet. Furthermore, if the crime they were convicted of are a result of a behavioral health issue or addiction, recidivism is likely if they do not receive the help that they need. The AADM has been committed to advocating for second chances, the consideration of a person’s circumstances when determining penalties, as well as rehabilitation over incarceration.
In response to a few key incidents regarding misuse of police force, ICE raids, and the over-policing and incarceration of Black and brown community members, the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM) began to host a series of community town halls. Following these discussions and local actions, Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Solicitor General C.R. Chisholm established a community committee in 2019 to advise the development of a pre-arrest diversion (PAD) program. The program aims to provide an alternative to incarceration by assisting those who need it to become employed and/or treated for health issues including mental or physical disabilities and substance abuse. AADM co-founder and Executive Director Mokah Jasmine Johnson was appointed as Chair of the committee and with her fellow members worked tirelessly to study similar programs and present recommendations.
During the committee’s final meeting in January 2020, the committee finalized their recommendations and sent them to the Mayor & Commission. In March of that year, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor & Commission approved the recommendations, creating the pre-arrest diversion program (PAD). The Athens-Clarke County Police Department opted to train their officers on the PAD program internally and participant referrals began shortly after the program passed. Athens-Clarke County’s PAD program focuses on those 17 years and older who have been charged with certain misdemeanors such as underage consumption of alcohol, possession of marijuana, criminal trespass, and theft by shoplifting. If program participants successfully complete the program, the Solicitor General will drop their charges and their court records and arrest history will be cleared. Requirements for participants may include paying restitution, completing community service, receiving treatment for substance abuse disorder, obtaining a high school diploma, and finding and keeping a full-time job.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were limited referrals to the program, but those who did participate were successful in completing what was required of them. Since then, the number of participants in the PAD program has increased significantly.
But the work does not end there.
The AADM advocates for the expansion of the PAD program to include more non-violent, low-level offenses, as well as offering it to children below the age of 17 years of age. Furthermore, we hope that the community advisory committee will be reestablished and our organization, in addition to our community partners, is given a seat at the table.
Our End School to Prison Pipeline program works to provide mentorship and alternatives to expulsion or juvenile incarceration. To find out more information about the ESTPP program, please visit https://www.aadmovement.org/end-school-to-prison-pipeline-program/