TPD Policy Shifts: Deflection, STAR, and Parks Safety
Key Questions
What is the Deflection Program in Tucson?
The Deflection Program is an opioid diversion initiative by TPD aimed at addressing opioid-related issues without traditional arrests. It diverts individuals to treatment services instead of jail.
What results has STAR Village achieved in its first 6 months?
STAR Village reported a 35% drop in crime and a decrease in homelessness over its first 6 months. These improvements contribute to broader reductions, including an 8% drop in Pima County jail population.
How is Tucson addressing homelessness in parks like Reed, Himmel, and Estefan?
Homelessness in these parks has prompted the rollout of the PACE program, increased encampment reporting, and a surge in outreach efforts. This is part of TPD's parks safety initiatives.
What new resources are available for TPD arrest data and trends?
TPD has launched arrest data portals, records requests, and calls for service data to help track trends. Residents can access police reports online via the TPD Public Records Portal or submit requests by form via email or mail.
How has recent border law affected arrests in Tucson?
New border law expansions have broadened arrest authority. Immigration street sweeps have led to more 'collateral' arrests of noncriminals, with a quarter of arrests since August labeled as such by ICE.
Deflection Program opioid diversion; STAR Village 6mo 35% crime drop, homelessness dip; Pima jail -8%; parks homelessness Reed/Himmel/Estefan prompts PACE rollout/encampment reporting; UA Eastside microshelter; border law expands arrests; TPD arrest data portals, records requests, calls for service aid trends.