LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Eighteen graduates completed the LIMA diversion program during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department headquarters.
The LIMA program is a partnership between LVMPD and the Eighth Judicial District Court. It provides low-level offenders with an alternative to incarceration.
Program coordinators said less than 10% of LIMA graduates re-offend.
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Six years of graduates
In the past six years, more than 200 people have graduated from the year-long program. The 18 graduates from Thursday’s ceremony join that group.
Loved ones and program partners filled the room to cheer on the graduates.
Cost comparison
Program coordinators said keeping someone behind bars costs about $120 a day, or nearly $45,000 a year. Despite that cost, nearly half of people released from prison eventually return, according to program coordinators.
Diversion programs like LIMA are free and work with law enforcement to redirect individuals toward housing, treatment, and support services.
Program requirements
The LIMA program is voluntary, and no court order requires participation. The program is referral-only. Participants must have a chemical dependency and be willing to commit to treatment throughout the program. Participants must also pass a background check before acceptance.
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