Description: The CMPD Diversion Program offers first time offenders ages 6 to 17 an opportunity to have their cases diverted from the Juvenile Justice system while maintaining accountability for delinquent acts and providing appropriate supports to redirect behavior. Youth referred to the program are assessed and assigned to an appropriate workshop consisting of 8 hours of interpersonal skills building accompanied by a parent or guardian while the youth can have weekly contacts with their School Resource Officer. The goal is for youth to improve personal decision-making skills and empower the families through education, direction, and guidance. The CMPD Diversion Program helps reduce the use of formal processing and incarceration, improve public safety, avoid wasteful spending, reduce racial and ethnic disparities, and limit the collateral consequences youth encounter through exposure to the juvenile justice system. For more information, please visit http://charlottenc.gov/CMPD/Pages/Resources/OpenData_Source.aspx.