Alamosa officials report expanding LEAD referrals and co-responder activity, cite housing and mental health as ongoing barriers

Alamosa City Council heard an update Wednesday on the LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program and the city’s co-responder teams, who said referrals from local police departments have grown and law enforcement “buy-in” has improved.

The update, presented to the council by program staff and law enforcement partners, said Alamosa Police Department had contributed seven formal LEAD deferment referrals to date and multiple other agencies have resumed or expanded referrals. “We’ve got Monty PD back involved heavily… Alamosa Sheriff’s Office is on board, which is a huge win,” one presenter said.

Why it matters: The LEAD model redirects eligible people away from immediate prosecution and into treatment and supportive services. Program leaders told council members the approach appears to be gaining traction among officers once the program message is delivered by law-enforcement personnel and persistently reinforced.

What presenters reported

- Referrals and warm handoffs: Presenters said officers and partner agencies are increasingly using quick referral tools (including a QR-code referral process) that allow case managers to make “warm handoffs” to people who accept help on the spot. The presenters said prompt outreach is important because many participants are unhoused or otherwise difficult to reach.

- Deferments and social referrals: APD had seven deferment referrals; presenters estimated roughly 15–20 additional “social” referrals had come through patrol that involve case management rather than deferred criminal charges.

- Co-responder workload: The co-responder team logged 98 calls this quarter that included follow-up, and conducted 17 jail assessments (about 15.5 hours in the jail) to screen people for treatment placement. Presenters said several jail assessments led to placement in inpatient treatment.

- Clinical and housing barriers: Staff repeatedly told council members that high behavioral-health needs (psychosis, co-occurring substance use, medication gaps) and limited housing options are the main barriers to sustaining outcomes. Presenters said some participants who obtain housing bring others into units, increasing the risk of losing placements, and noted a continued need for life-skills and peer supports.

- Success example: Staff described a woman in her 20s who had long-term opioid and methamphetamine use, obtained Medicaid coverage, completed medical detox, began medication-assisted treatment and moved to intensive outpatient services with transportation assistance from the program.

Council reaction

Several council members praised the multiagency effort and singled out improved law-enforcement engagement. “Delivery — it’s as simple as that,” one sergeant said about why patrol began referring more cases. Councilors said the program’s shift from punitive responses toward treatment and supports could produce long-term community benefits.

Next steps and risks

Presenters said they plan outreach to additional agencies (Del Norte PD, Rio Grande County Sheriff and South Fork PD) and to expand peer-driven work to improve engagement. They also noted a possible 12 percent funding reduction next year as state budget pressures emerge. Staff and council emphasized that limited affordable housing remains the principal implementation risk.

Ending note

Councilors encouraged continued coordination and acknowledged the team’s progress, particularly the re‑engagement of multiple law‑enforcement partners and the co‑responder unit’s placement work.