Police and Public Health Collaborations to Address Vulnerable Populations: Benefits to Officers, Agencies, and Communities

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM MT

Location: Mile High Ballroom 2B/3B, Colorado Convention Center

Police agencies across the United States are increasingly implementing deflection programs—initiatives that break the cycle of drug use and drug-related crime by redirecting individuals to community-based treatment rather than arrest. These programs not only help rebuild community trust but also offer a proactive alternative to traditional enforcement. Research shows that police-led deflection can prevent future offending, reduce justice system costs, and contribute to lower rates of officer burnout and higher job satisfaction. In this session, police leaders from both urban and rural jurisdictions will share insights into their deflection programs and outcomes. Additionally, research will be presented demonstrating a link between deflection initiatives and reductions in compassion fatigue among officers.

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Kelly Burke, MPH

Senior Program Manager
IACP
Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Speaker(s)

Joseph Balles

Coordinator
Madison Area Recovery Initiative
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
John Sherwin

Chief of Police
Faribault Police Department
Faribault, Minnesota, United States
SS

Sydney Silverstein, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor - Center for Interventions, Treatment, and Addictions Research
Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine
Dayton, Ohio, United States