Pre-Trial Jail Diversion

Drug offenders struggling with substance abuse or dependence need help, not jail. Drug Policy Alliance Network's (DPAN) 2009 proposal (HB 441) offers appropriate community-based treatment, instead of incarceration, for people charged with drug possession offenses or drug-related probation and parole violations. Offering treatment instead of incarceration enhances public safety by reducing drug-related crime and preserving jail and prison space for violent offenders.

Rather than sending individuals to prison to learn more dangerous crimes and not receive the appropriate treatment, this legislation helps get to the root of the problem--substance abuse. Not only does treatment instead of incarceration make our communities safer, but the cost of probation and treatment is much less than the cost of incarceration. In 2007 alone, New Mexico taxpayers wasted $22 million dollars to incarcerate nonviolent drug possession offenders. We can do better New Mexico!

More Information

• Treatment Instead of Incarceration Frequently Asked Questions
• Cost Savings of Treatment Instead of Incarceration
• Local Organizations Support Treatment Instead of Incarceration
• Prison Policy Initiative's Graph of Racial Disparites in NM Prisons
  • Latinos
  • Blacks
• Treatment Instead of Incarceration Talking Points

Get Involved

• Sign up to receive Drug Policy Alliance Network's action alerts--it's the only way to stay up-to-date on the bill's progress during the legislative session
• Check out DPA's 2009 Legislative Tool-Kit for tips on how you can be an effective advocate.