The effect of police diversion schemes on offending and health for people suspected of drug-related offences: analysis protocol

Police drug diversion (PDD) schemes may have positive impact on reoffending and other participant outcomes. We define such schemes as alternatives to criminalisation for minor drug-related offences, including—but not limited to—simple possession for personal use. They are alternatives that provide people suspected of such offences with an educative or therapeutic intervention, rather than being processed through prosecution and conviction. We plan to study the effect of PDD schemes in England and Wales on reoffending and health (with health-related outcomes including entry into drug treatment and hospital episodes related to accidents, drugs, and alcohol). This study is part of a wider evaluation of PDD schemes that includes qualitative and documentary elements. This document provides a detailed plan for the quantitative evaluation.