Commissioners defer resolution asking DeKalb police to craft diversion policy for unhoused people

The committee debated a draft resolution asking the DeKalb County Police Department to develop a diversion policy that would prioritize alternatives to arrest for people experiencing homelessness when appropriate.

Attorney Phillips summarized the draft language presented by Commissioner Robert Patrick, saying, "The board calls upon agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide services to unhoused individuals...to identify themselves for inclusion in a resource guide, and aimed at assisting those experiencing homelessness." Commissioners questioned whether the resolution presumes criminal conduct in its wording and pressed for clarity on what "diversion" would entail in street-level encounters.

Commissioner Marita Davis Johnson pressed for concrete operational guidance: "So if you're having a policy...what is that diversion policy? What does it entail? Do you have a place that you recommend they go?" Attorney Phillips and county staff responded that the policy is intended to give officers guidance about redirecting individuals to services and that prosecutorial discretion and police accreditation must be considered.

Commissioners emphasized the need for a usable resource guide and capacity for wraparound services. Commissioner Ted Terry said that simply listing contact numbers is not enough; he urged building a coordinated table of providers so case-by-case triage and follow-up are possible.

The committee voted to defer the resolution for 30 days to allow police leadership, the county's homeless outreach team and legal staff to review the draft and to assemble or finalize the resource guide. Attorney Phillips and staff were asked to share a hard copy and to solicit police feedback before the item returns to the committee.