A new approach to community safety and wellness

 
 

What we do.

The Policing Alternatives & Diversion Initiative works to reduce arrest and incarceration of people experiencing extreme poverty, problematic substance use, or mental health concerns, and increase the accessibility of supportive services in Atlanta and Fulton County.

PAD fosters a new approach to community safety and wellness by providing an alternative to punishing people for what they do to survive. Instead, we connect with people as people, address their basic needs, and work with them to reduce harm to themselves and their neighbors. We believe communities are safer and healthier when people have what they need to not only survive, but to thrive. 

How we do it.

Community Response Services through ATL 311

PAD accepts referrals through the City of Atlanta 311 non-emergency city services line for quality of life concerns.

Immediate alternatives to arrest 

We provide Atlanta Police Department, MARTA, and Georgia Tech police officers with the ability to divert to PAD when an individual is detained for law violations related to mental health, substance use, and extreme poverty.