Safety Alliance launches new diversion program

WEST PLAINS — The West Plains Safety Alliance (WPSA) announced plans to launch a new diversion program to assist vulnerable populations at its meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17. The meeting, hosted by Alise Mnati, Airway Heights Police Department’s (AHPD) Grants and Community Initiatives Director, introduced the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) initiative, modeled after Seattle’s 2011 program.

Ashley Martinez, head case worker for the AHPD, stated, “LEAD West Plains provides new pathways to long-term, community-based care for people who commit or are at high risk of committing law violatio...