This month, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office established a Diversion Unit dedicated to alternative
outcomes for deserving defendants. Diversion refers to ways in which those charged with criminal offenses may avoid imprisonment and in some cases conviction by agreeing to certain terms and conditions, often involving professional treatment for underlying causes of criminality. When used appropriately and consistently,
diversion can reduce crime and recidivism as well as court caseloads and backlogs.