Diversion Programs

Atlanta, Georgia, is one city that has gone back and forth about whether to continue funding its Policing Alternatives and Diversion Initiative. At the start of 2025, the PAD program suspended its services because of contract negotiations with city officials. PAD responds to calls through Atlanta’s 3-1-1 municipal services line and offers services like legal support, shelter and housing placements, and outreach. In 2024, the program fielded more than 1,800 service requests with an average response time of 19 minutes, according to its annual report. Nearly half of the calls PAD responded to were to help people meet their basic needs.