Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Diversion Programs You Should Track

Diversion programs play a critical role in modern prosecution by offering accountability-focused alternatives to traditional case processing. As these programs expand, prosecutors need reliable, defensible ways to evaluate their effectiveness, justify continued investment, and make informed operational decisions. Tracking the right Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is essential to achieving those goals.

Modern platforms with integrated custom reporting capabilities have transformed how offices manage and oversee diversion programs. With accurate, real-time data, prosecutors can move beyond anecdotal success stories and demonstrate measurable outcomes to stakeholders.

Why KPIs Matter for Diversion Programs

Unlike traditional prosecution metrics that focus on case volume or disposition speed, diversion programs require outcome-based measurement. KPIs provide a structured way to assess whether programs are meeting their core objectives: reducing recidivism, promoting accountability, ensuring equitable access, and using public resources efficiently.

Well-defined KPIs help prosecutors:

• Evaluate program effectiveness objectively

• Identify trends and gaps early

• Support transparency and accountability

• Strengthen funding and policy discussions with data

Core KPIs Every Diversion Program Should Track

1. Recidivism Rates

Recidivism is one of the most important indicators of program success. Tracking whether participants reoffend, both during and after program completion, helps determine if diversion is achieving its long-term goal of behavior change.

Best practice includes measuring recidivism at multiple intervals (e.g., 6, 12, and 24 months) to capture sustained outcomes.

2. Program Completion Rates

Completion rates show how many participants successfully fulfill program requirements. Low completion rates may indicate issues such as overly burdensome requirements, insufficient support, or eligibility criteria that need refinement.

Breaking completion rates down by program type or offense category can provide deeper insight into what is working best.

3. Participant Compliance

Compliance metrics track whether participants are meeting key obligations such as course completion, fee payment, check-ins, or deadlines. This KPI provides visibility into engagement levels and helps offices intervene early when participants begin to struggle.

Automated milestone tracking can significantly reduce administrative burden while improving accuracy.

4. Cost Savings Compared to Traditional Prosecution

Diversion programs often deliver substantial cost savings by reducing court appearances, incarceration, and staff time. Comparing diversion-related costs to traditional prosecution expenses helps demonstrate fiscal responsibility and efficiency to county officials and funding bodies.

This KPI is especially valuable during budget planning and grant applications.

5. Demographic Data and Program Accessibility

Tracking demographic information, such as age, gender, race, offense type, and geographic location, helps offices assess whether programs are accessible and equitable. These insights can identify unintended disparities and support data-informed policy adjustments.

Accessibility metrics also help ensure diversion opportunities align with community needs.

Features to Look for in Diversion Program Reporting Tools

Not all reporting solutions are created equal. The most effective platforms support KPI tracking through:

• Configurable forms and reports tailored to local program requirements

• Real-time data access for timely decision-making

• Easy export capabilities for audits, grant reporting, and presentations

• Automated tracking of milestones and compliance to reduce manual work

These features allow prosecutors to focus on outcomes rather than data collection.

Turning KPIs Into Program Success

The ability to measure and demonstrate program success is critical for maintaining judicial, political, and public support for diversion initiatives. KPIs provide the evidence needed to validate program effectiveness, secure resources, and continuously improve outcomes for participants and communities.

By leveraging modern reporting tools and tracking the right performance indicators, prosecutors can ensure their diversion programs are not only well-managed but truly delivering on their promise of smarter, more effective justice.

Contact Diversion Manager

If you need the support of our fully functional platform which can be configured to accommodate the automation and management of alternative programs with advanced workflow, communication, reporting, and integration with your case management system, then you need Advent Diversion Manager. Go to the Diversion Manager website to learn more and to schedule a demonstration of our fully functional platform.