Critics Call for Independent Audit of Seattle's LEAD Diversion Program

Seattle's LEAD crime diversion program is facing new scrutiny after a Washington Policy Center analysis challenged claims about the program's success in reducing recidivism, improving employment outcomes and diverting offenders away from the criminal justice system. LEAD co-founder Lisa Daugaard is now responding to the criticism, including questions surrounding a widely cited statistic about a 58% reduction in recidivism. Daugaard says the statistic should more precisely describe a reduction in the likelihood of recidivism compared with a control group. She also argues that employment is not a primary goal of LEAD, saying the program is focused on reducing crime and stabilizing lawful income. Critics, including Ginny Burton of O-UT Impact Coalition, argue diversion programs need greater accountability and should focus more heavily on treatment, self-sufficiency and lasting behavioral change. Washington Policy Center is recommending jurisdictions consider pausing LEAD expansion, conducting independent audits and evaluating alternatives including traditional criminal justice, compliance-based diversion and residential treatment. As LEAD seeks additional funding and similar programs operate in jurisdictions around the country, the debate could have implications well beyond Seattle and Washington state. #Seattle #LEAD #LEADProgram #SeattleCrime #Crime #CrimeDiversion #PublicSafety #CriminalJustice #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #WashingtonPolitics #WashingtonPolicyCenter #Recidivism #DrugTreatment #TaxpayerMoney #GovernmentAccountability #SeattleNews #CenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus