A chunk of federal money is coming to Long Beach for a program that law enforcement says is slowly making a dent in diverting offenders into treatment with the click of a button.
In a news release Friday, the Department of Justice promised $350,000 to the office of Long Beach City Prosecutor Doug Haubert to improve, and potentially expand, its ‘Guides app,’ which police use to connect qualifying offenders with treatment instead of jail or citation.
“It’s for those who may benefit more from social services than a criminal record — such as those who are homeless, or have mental health or substance-use issues,” Haubert said Friday.
The app, used from an LBPD-issued phone, allows officers to see if a person is enrolled in any social services and has a case manager, as well as the hours, phone number and availability of nearby shelters, clinics and providers. It also lets officers refer people to services, using basic info like a name and birthdate.
Since its formal launch in July 2023 — the pandemic stalled the app’s deployment for several years — more than 150 people have been referred to shelter or treatment.