Seattle doubles down on diversion — not charges — for public drug use

This year, Seattle officials are putting a stronger emphasis on services for people arrested for public drug use.

That’s after drug possession arrests and charges climbed last year under the city’s two-year-old ordinance.

Supporters of “diversion” away from courts and jail call it a hopeful moment. Skeptics worry that the city’s so-called “hot spots” for drug use and disorder will continue to suffer…

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