Sarpy County Attorney Lee Polikov proposed to the County board a program based on the same model as alcohol diversion for individuals with mental illness charged with low level crimes. If an offender successfully completed the treatment program they would not end up with a conviction on their record. Polikov said that this would help the offender by getting treatment for their mental health problem and help reduce costs and overcrowding of the jail for the county.The diversion program would require individuals to go to therapy or take medications to address their mental health issues. Polikov says he believes that this mental health diversion program will have the potential to reduce future crime by putting people on the right path. This proposal deserves support and Lee Polikov deserves praise for this innovative proposal.
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