Reducing agency and social costs by keeping kids in school and out of the justice system: A cost–benefit analysis of the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program

Abstract

Abstract Growing recognition of the school-to-prison pipeline and its associated detrimental effects has spurred efforts aimed at reducing the rate of school-based arrests across the United States. One such initiative, the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program, has demonstrated promising findings related to reduced numbers of school-based arrests and improved school outcomes among youth. However, without information about the financial costs and benefits associated with program operation, stakeholders may be hesitant to implement similar programming in other localities. Therefore, we conducted a cost–benefit analysis of the Philadelphia Police School Diversion Program. Results indicated that this diversion program produced approximately $1.6 million in inflation-adjusted net benefit in its first year of operation and approximately $1.9 million in inflation-adjusted net benefit in its fifth year of operation. Findings may inform decisions about program replication in other jurisdictions where stakeholders seek alternative school policing strategies.