Image: KIRO Newsradio
A Seattle-created program that diverts people accused of low-level drug offenses away from jail and into community-based services is facing renewed scrutiny over how its outcomes have been measured and reported.
Eric Zimmerman of the Washington Policy Center argues that a widely cited statistic from an early evaluation of Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) incorrectly described a 58% reduction in arrests. Zimmerman contends the original University of Washington research measured reduced odds of arrest and did not establish a 58% decrease in arrests. He is calling for independent reviews and more consistent, transparent reporting by jurisdictions that fund LEAD.
Zimmerman also questions claims related to employment, housing and recidivism, citing differences between LEAD’s reported outcomes and results from some subsequent evaluations.
LEAD founder Lisa Daugaard acknowledged that the 58% figure was misstated but said the underlying finding remains meaningful. She said LEAD has continued to expand because law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, community partners and participants have found the program effective. Daugaard also disputed some of Zimmerman’s findings, including his characterization of housing outcomes.
The University of Washington said an early report incorrectly used the term “likelihood” instead of “odds” when describing the statistical findings. The university said those errors are being corrected and defended its broader evaluation of the program, while offering to help ensure the research is accurately represented.
The dispute highlights broader questions about how diversion programs measure effectiveness and communicate results to policymakers, communities and the public.
