Middlesbrough, UK – Individuals caught carrying knives or bladed weapons in Middlesbrough may avoid prison sentences by participating in a mental health and support program, according to police documents. The initiative, known as Divert, aims to divert first-time and low-level offenders from the criminal justice system by addressing the underlying causes of their behavior.
The program, which began in 2018, has seen 1,853 participants between its inception and March 2025. It allows individuals arrested for offenses such as weapons possession, drug offenses, and shoplifting to avoid criminal charges if they admit their wrongdoing, express remorse, and pledge not to reoffend. The Divert program then connects participants with resources for mental health, substance misuse, education, or housing issues.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, 19 out of 322 Divert participants had carried a weapon or bladed article. The program's success has been highlighted by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey, who stated that only 4.7 percent of participants reoffended, compared to 32.9 percent across the Cleveland Police area. Defenders of the program also point to its role in alleviating pressure on the overcrowded prison and court systems.
However, the Divert program has faced criticism, particularly following recent unrest in Teesside. The disturbances occurred in the wake of a fatal collision on the A66 that killed two police officers and five occupants of another vehicle. Critics, including Middlesbrough's former mayor Andy Preston, have labeled the approach as 'soft justice' that makes criminals feel 'untouchable.'
In the aftermath of the A66 crash, which involved a stolen vehicle traveling the wrong way and resulted in the deaths of Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, alongside five young adults, additional police resources were deployed. The crash involved individuals with a history of convictions. Following the incident, a crackdown on alleged organized crime led to approximately 24 arrests.
A spokesperson for the Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner's office defended the program, stating, 'Considering current demand on the criminal justice system, including significant strains on the prison system, there is a growing need to consider options to resolve less serious crimes without a court process.' The spokesperson added that eligible cases are carefully reviewed by officers, considering offense severity, offender history, and victim wishes. An independent scrutiny panel also reviews the use of out-of-court resolutions by Cleveland Police.
Storey has also advocated for a more sustainable long-term funding model for policing, arguing that the current system disadvantages Cleveland Police and impacts its ability to combat serious and organized crime. He emphasized the public's right to live without fear and acknowledged the community's grief and anger over recent events.