Contributing factors to beneficence and nonmaleficence in police-led jail diversion programs

This study examined how outcomes in police-led jail diversion programs (JDPs) align with the ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence, focusing on factors that influence diversion decisions and their balance between rehabilitation and public safety.

Individuals with less severe charges and first-time encounters are more likely to be diverted to mental health treatment, aligning with beneficence. Conversely, individuals with severe charges and repeat offenses are more likely to experience arrest, aligning with nonmaleficence.

This retrospective analysis included 3,324 diversion-eligible cases from 21,964 behavioral crisis incidents recorded in Massachusetts between May and December 2023. This secondary data analysis used the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health's JDP statewide standardized database. Quantitative analyses employed logistic regression and hybrid machine learning models to examine how charge severity, mental health status, substance use, and incident characteristics were associated with outcomes relative to ethical principles.

Less severe charges and first-time encounters predicted diversion to mental health services, reflecting beneficence through rehabilitation. Severe charges and repeat offenses were more likely to result in arrest, reflecting nonmaleficence by prioritizing public safety. De-escalation techniques and on-scene supports were associated with diversion, whereas overnight incidents and substance use were linked to increased arrests.

Implementing JDPs that align with ethical principles is complex, requiring nuanced approaches that account for both individual and situational factors. Enhanced training and resources are essential to support ethical decision making, ensuring that diversion decisions align with beneficence and nonmaleficence. This study informs efforts to reform police practices to better address mental health crises and suggests policy enhancements to promote both individual welfare and public safety. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).