An examination of recidivism outcomes for a novel prosecutor-led gun diversion program

• Published in: Journal of criminal justice 2024-05, Vol.92, p.102196, Article 102196
• Main Authors: Epperson, Matthew W., Garthe, Rachel C., Lee, Hannah, Hawken, Angela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Community violence intervention; Diversion; Gun violence; Prosecutors
• ISSN: 0047-2352
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2024.102196

To examine the effects of a novel prosecutor-led gun diversion program (PLGDP) on criminal recidivism outcomes, with a focus on charges that impact public safety. We employed a quasi-experimental design comparing 76 participants from a PLGDP in Minneapolis, MN with 93 individuals from a comparison group. Participants joined the program between 2017 and 2019, and logistic regression analyses focused on the two-year period following the illegal gun possession offense. Outcomes included arrest and conviction for any criminal offense and offenses involving a weapon or violence. PLGDP participants as a whole demonstrated lower odds of a conviction in the two-year follow period compared to individuals in the comparison group. Program graduates had significantly lower odds of a violent or weapons-related offense compared to those in the comparison group, while terminated program participants demonstrated higher odds of charges and convictions. Findings demonstrate that a PLGDP can address the racially disparate punishment of illegal gun possession and can be implemented without detrimental effects on public safety. PLGDPs represent a promising new component to broader gun violence prevention efforts. •This is the first recidivism outcomes study of a prosecutor-led gun diversion program – Pathway.•Pathway participants demonstrated lower odds of conviction than a comparison group.•Pathway graduates had lower odds of a “violent” offense than a comparison group.•Findings suggest that Pathway's implementation did not compromise public safety.