This is a deterrence-based policing program aimed at eliminating open drug markets and associated problems without resorting to mass incarceration of low-quantity traffickers.
It includes three phases:
1) In the identification phase, areas with the highest crime density and high drug prevalence are detected. Identification of those locations is done through the sharing of information among criminal justice agencies, such as mapping of drug arrests, calls for police service, and review of serious crimes at hot spots;
2) The notification phase involves liaison between agencies and community groups. Individuals who have committed non-violent crimes are identified and invited to a community notification session, with the participation of police and prosecutors. In addition, community members talk to offenders to try to prevent future offenses;
3) The resource delivery phase, developed by community agencies and volunteer groups, involves access to services such as education, housing, employment, food, transportation, clothing, and drug and alcohol treatment.
If offenders engage in misconduct, the police notifies them that they may be arrested immediately, but if they decide to change, no punitive measures are taken. This lets offenders know that there are consequences for their actions, but that the community is also willing to help them.