Say goodbye to handcuffs?
A new alternative to arrest is coming to Erie County.
LEAD, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, is a program that gives law enforcement a different way to handle people involved in substance abuse, mental health, or poverty cases.
Police will link them to supportive services instead of jail time to reduce recidivism, or the tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend.
Only Albany County is using the program in New York State.
Officials say an effort is underway to bring LEAD to Erie County. The effort is being led by District Attorney Flynn.
