Program would target causes of crime as alternative to jail

There were nearly 2,000 crimes reported in Cincinnati last month. Now, a proposed pilot program is intended to beat crime by addressing the root causes. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, or LEAD, is designed to get help for people who commit crimes, instead of just throwing them in jail. If approved, the pilot would allow police officers an alternative to arresting low-level offenders. Instead, officers could refer them to case managers who would help address underlying issues leading to crime, like homelessness, addiction and mental illness.