The Independent Review of the Criminal Courts represents a pivotal moment for diversion. With crown court backlogs at record levels, the case for resolving appropriate cases outside the courtroom has never been stronger.
Diversion done well is not a soft option. It means swift consequences, meaningful conditions and interventions that address the causes of offending — delivered in weeks rather than years.
Technology has a central role: making the right option visible at the point of decision, connecting officers to local provision, and tracking whether conditions are actually completed.