This news article reports that the Early Drug Diversion Initiative that gives police discretion to divert people found with small quantities of illicit drugs had only been extended to 6.9% of people caught.

Jordyn Beazley, ‘More than 90% of people caught with small amounts of illicit drugs criminalised in NSW despite diversion reforms’ The Guardian (Online at 4 December 2024)

Diversions are options that police can use to prevent people from entering or continuing in the criminal legal system. Law and policy place some conditions on when diversions can be used. Police also have discretion about whether to use diversions. Research shows that diversions are underused for Aboriginal people, especially...

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Jordyn Beazley, ‘More than 90% of people caught with small amounts of illicit drugs criminalised in NSW despite diversion reforms’ The Guardian (Online at 4 December 2024)

Policing and diversions