Prearrest Diversion Task Force Community Roundtable

Monday, January 12, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Meeting location: 441 4th St. NW 11th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001

Under the Secure D.C. Omnibus bill, the Prearrest Diversion Task Force was created to provide recommendations to the D.C. Council on how the District could effectively implement a program that diverts individuals who commit certain misdemeanor offenses and have mental health and/or substance use disorders from the criminal justice system to treatment. The task force includes local and federal criminal justice and health agencies as well as local community-based organizations. The task force recognizes the importance of centering the voices of community members who will be affected by the structure of any prearrest diversion program, and who may be able to provide relevant insights and practical knowledge on how to effectively implement a prearrest diversion program.

Community organizations on the task force identified and recommended participants for the roundtable. Staff members used their ongoing programs, outreach activities, and direct service interactions to recognize individuals who could meaningfully contribute to the initiative. Because these organizations are trusted and embedded within the community, their recommendations reflected both firsthand knowledge of participants’ experiences and a commitment to ensuring diverse and representative involvement.

Community participants will be asked questions prepared in advance. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in an open dialogue with task force members about how to design a program for those with behavioral health and substance use disorders who have or may one day have interactions with the criminal justice system.