Cumberland County, with the support and approval of the Board of Commissioners, operates a Misdemeanor Diversion Program (MDP) for 16- and 17-year-olds who have no adult criminal record.
The purpose of the MDP is to divert first-time arrests or citations for eligible misdemeanor charges. Rather than issuing a citation or making an arrest where probable cause exits, law enforcement officers in Cumberland County, instead issue a referral that initiates the diversionary process by directing the youth to contact the MDP representative in the Pretrial Services Office.
The MDP Coordinator will compile information to provide an individual case plan for each participant. This will include community service hours, leadership classes, mentoring and restorative justice opportunities. After a period of no more than 90 days, the MDP Coordinator will determine if there has been successful compliance with the diversion plan terms. If there is compliance, no charges will be filed. If there has not been compliance, the MDP Coordinator will notify the Law Enforcement Agency so that the filing of formal charges can be considered.
The Cumberland County MDP is being launched with the support of all Cumberland County criminal justice system stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.
Law Enforcement and School Officials may submit a referral by completing the form below.
MDP Contact
Phone: 910-437-1884
