As a public-policy response to issues of overburdened courts, arrests for minor offenses, racial disparities, and an expensive system for taxpayers to fund, Broward County Commissioners passed an Ordinance that expands the County’s Adult Civil Citation Program.

This countywide, pre-arrest diversion initiative provides law enforcement officers the option of issuing citations to adults, who commit a broad range of non-violent misdemeanor offenses under Florida law, instead of making an arrest or issuing a Notice to Appear.

Offenses include, but are not limited to: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor battery (under certain circumstances), retail theft of a shopping cart, petit theft, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, littering, loitering, and possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21.

Participants must complete mandatory community service hours, pay a program fee, and undergo a screening to determine if intervention services — such as behavioral health treatment, educational programs, or restorative justice meetings are warranted.