Police Pathways to Addiction Treatment, Health, and Safety: The Police PATHS Study
Funded by: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Project dates: September 2025 - May 2030
Principal Investigator: Rouhani, SabaProject dates: September 2025 - May 2030
Principal Investigator: del Pozo, B (contact PI)
Principal Investigator: Anderson E
Principal Investigator: Cepeda J
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
As an alternative to arrest on misdemeanor charges, police-assisted diversion (PAD) links people who use drugs (PWUD) with treatment and services, especially medications for opioid use disorder, offering the potential to reduce overdose, protect health, and address the addiction-related problems that can motivate unlawful behavior.
The study will explore the best ways to implement PAD and the barriers to implementation in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Further, it will measure access to medications for opioid use disorders and health outcomes, and assess the cost-effectiveness of PAD compared to criminal justice processing.
This study will provide the basis for future hybrid implementation and effectiveness trials of PAD in other U.S. cities.
Abstract on NIH RePORTER