Burien LEAD Program
Summary
LEAD traditionally stands for Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, but in Burien is moving to, “Let Everyone Advance with Dignity”. LEAD is an outreach program focused on individuals who have become involved in the criminal legal system, including criminal trespass, low-level drug offenses, prostitution or theft; have behavioral health challenges such as mental illness or drug addiction; and are living in extreme poverty. LEAD brings together a team of professionals - police, prosecutors, case managers - to help individuals seek supportive services, treatment, housing, health care and job training. They also track and monitor participants’ progress and work together to anticipate and prevent issues that may get in the way of success.
Importance
LEAD’s mission is to reduce problematic behavior by addressing the whole person, something the traditional criminal legal system cannot do. Treating the whole person benefits the entire community. People Power Washington supports this view of justice and advocates for the least punitive model that works.
More Details
How LEAD works. Traditionally, LEAD begins at the point of arrest, but in Burien, law enforcement works to identify people who need the program without making any arrest at all. If an officer thinks an individual is an appropriate client for LEAD, they can contact LEAD staff and screen them for the program. LEAD then looks at the needs of the whole person, considers the community, and brings various stakeholders into conversation around the best solutions for each individual and helps participants get their life back on track, allowing them to be positive, contributing members of the community.
LEAD is not a quick fix or a cure-all solution. A successful LEAD outcome removes one person from the cycle of arrest, brief incarceration and further arrests, without draconian sentencing or harsh punishment that is ineffective. Allowing LEAD to do what it is good at - pairing individuals with services - frees up Law Enforcement resources to be more active and proactive in other areas.
LEAD works. Burien is a model of what integrating social services with a police force can look like. Burien has the second lowest crime rate per capita in South King County despite the number of police officers (per resident) being the lowest in the region, which Chief of Police Boe attributes in part to LEAD.
Another study by researchers at the University of Washington shows LEAD reduced recidivism by 58 percent in participants vs. non-participants. In Burien, LEAD has moved people into housing, treatment, and services. Burien officers note that their own engagement with clients has improved, and that some who have had challenging relationships with the public are relating to the community better as well.
LEAD is a successful model that is being replicated throughout Washington and around the country. Its mission and goals are rooted in justice not punishment and is nimble enough to adapt to new data and change with the times. The program works alongside the traditional legal system, doing work for which police officers regularly report they do not feel trained or equipped. It frees them up to focus their energy where it is needed, at the same time freeing up resources to expand preventative programs. To fully understand the program requires a shift in perspective for all stakeholders.
Burien’s LEAD program funding was renewed for another two years by King County. The program continues to need community support and awareness in order to be effective. While it has been in operation for two+ years, many are still unaware of the work happening in Burien.
Acronyms
LEAD - Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion or Let Everyone Advance with Dignity