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Abstract: 

Traditional arrest and prosecution procedures create an array of negative social consequences for first-time adult misdemeanor arrestees. This paper provides an overview of pre-charge diversion programs and an introduction to the Civil Citation Network (CCN) as an alternative to arrest and prosecution of low-level offenders. Data from 548 adults who completed the program were analyzed in a preliminary assessment of the program. Results indicated that the vast majority (82%) of CCN participants successfully completed the program requirements, which resulted in the avoidance of a formal arrest and associated criminal charges. Although the CCN program has a high success rate, future research needs to determine which factors are most conducive to success. The CCN program is the first of its kind in the United States, and this preliminary assessment sets the stage for future research focused on the impact of pre-charge diversion programs.

Keywords: Civil Citation Network, Smart justice, public safety, criminal justice innovation, pre-arrest diversion, recidivism

Affiliations:  1: Western Carolina University; 2: DISC Village; 3: Tallahassee Police Department (Ret.); 4: Western Carolina University.