Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion in Eighth Judicial District, New Mexico

The Town of Taos proposes to expand and enhance the Taos Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program to serve the entire Eighth Judicial District. The purpose is to expand a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and trauma-informed law enforcement-led program for individuals dealing with substance use disorder (SUD) in the rural frontier area composed of Colfax, Taos, and Union Counties. Project activities include law enforcement assisted diversion; identifiable and accessible prescription take-back programs; transitional or recovery housing and recovery support services; referral to evidence-based SUD treatment; naloxone for law enforcement and other justice system practitioners; and supporting the multidisciplinary policy coordinating group to address the issues that arise due to use to illicit opioids, stimulants, and other substances. Expected outcomes include reduction in the number of overdose deaths; reduction in use of first responder and emergency services; provision of evidence-based services including intensive case management; reduction of recidivism in the Eighth Judicial District; and regular program assessments. Individuals with SUD who are committing low-level, nonviolent offenses are the intended beneficiaries. The Town of Taos intends to delegate program implementation to subrecipient DreamTree Project, Inc., which hosts the current program.