8 Alyssa Hodges – Policing Alternatives and Diversion Programs

Alyssa Hodges is an IU East graduate who majored in Criminal Justice. Alyssa now is working full-time but plans to return to school to become a paralegal.  This PowerPoint presentation was her senior capstone project in the Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice class. This PowerPoint’s purpose was to explore policing alternatives and diversion programs. Professor Carrie Mier notes, “Great presentation, brought in information local to their area (Atlanta), and very well-rounded!”

Policing alternatives and diversion programs:  Introduction

For my Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice Capstone project, I was tasked with exploring criminal justice policies, programs, and laws as well as their impacts on society. I chose to research policing alternatives and diversion programs. My passion in criminal justice lies in rehabilitation, or “habilitation” as some like to call it, and policing alternatives.

Throughout my education, it became more and more clear that the current way of policing is not only ineffective, but disparately affects minoritized communities. As a result, I spent most of my time researching policing alternatives and programs that have been proven to be more effective.

In my capstone project, I highlighted two theories: Restorative Justice and Reintegrative Shaming Theory. Both theories focus on victim support, reintegration, and restitution. One goal that I had was to explore more effective ways to police and divert individuals from incarceration. In this journey of implementing new policies, police will need to be compliant toward these programs. They do not fully understand or think they will reduce crime, but it is important to trust the process. Offenders also need to be willing to accept the help and to change. Social support groups and personnel will need to train and be able to hold the capacity of a greater load.

Of course, punishments and incarceration are needed and will never go away. What I sought to explore, however, was how to divert individuals from entering the justice system to begin with.