An examination of recidivism outcomes for a novel prosecutor-led gun diversion program

Objective: To examine the effects of a novel prosecutor-led gun diversion program (PLGDP) on criminal recidivism outcomes, with a focus on charges that impact public safety. Methods: We employed a quasi-experimental design comparing 76 participants from a PLGDP in Minneapolis, MN with 93 individuals from a comparison group. Participants joined the program between 2017 and 2019, and logistic regression analyses focused on the two-year period following the illegal gun possession offense. Outcomes included arrest and conviction for any criminal offense and offenses involving a weapon or violence. Results: PLGDP participants as a whole demonstrated lower odds of a conviction in the two-year follow period compared to individuals in the comparison group. Program graduates had significantly lower odds of a violent or weapons-related offense compared to those in the comparison group, while terminated program participants demonstrated higher odds of charges and convictions. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that a PLGDP can address the racially disparate punishment of illegal gun possession and can be implemented without detrimental effects on public safety. PLGDPs represent a promising new component to broader gun violence prevention efforts.