Democrats Clash Over $100 Million Crime Program as Seattle Reviews Results

Seattle's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, better known as LEAD, is facing new scrutiny over how its crime-reduction results have been presented to lawmakers and the public. The Washington Policy Center recently challenged some of the statistics used for years to promote Seattle's LEAD program, which diverts some people accused of crimes away from the traditional criminal justice system and connects them with behavioral health and social services. One of the biggest questions involves a frequently cited statistic that LEAD participants were 58% less likely to be arrested. Washington Policy Center argues that the underlying study reported a statistical difference in the odds of arrest compared with a control group, rather than a literal 58% reduction in arrests or criminal reoffending. That distinction matters because LEAD expanded far beyond Seattle and King County. The diversion model has been adopted in communities around the country and promoted before members of Congress. Washington Policy Center argues that inaccurate descriptions of LEAD's early results influenced congressional support for the model and helped LEAD programs secure nearly $100 million in federal appropriations. Those conclusions are Washington Policy Center's analysis of LEAD's research, congressional testimony and federal funding history. Now Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle, who chairs the council's Public Safety Committee, is responding to the questions surrounding LEAD. Kettle says Seattle will conduct its own data collection and examine the results as city officials determine where the LEAD diversion program is working and what changes or improvements may be necessary. Kettle has previously expressed support for diversion programs including LEAD while also emphasizing that Seattle needs both diversion and criminal enforcement as part of its response to public drug use and crime. The renewed scrutiny comes as Seattle continues examining how diversion, drug enforcement and behavioral health programs fit into the city's broader public safety strategy. Washington in Focus examines the dispute over LEAD's reported success metrics, the nearly $100 million in federal funding identified by Washington Policy Center, and what Seattle's new review could mean for the future of the LEAD program. Follow The Center Square for continuing coverage of Seattle crime, public safety, drug policy, taxpayer spending, government accountability and Washington state government. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #Seattle #LEAD #SeattleCrime #PublicSafety #BobKettle #DrugPolicy #GovernmentAccountability #TaxpayerMoney #WashingtonState #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus