Atlanta Councilmember Pushes for Expanded Pre-Arrest Diversion Programs

Kelsea Bond introduces resolution urging Atlanta Police to increase use of programs offering support instead of jail time.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Atlanta City Councilmember Kelsea Bond has introduced a resolution calling on the Atlanta Police Department to expand the use of the city's pre-arrest diversion programs, which provide wraparound services like clothing, food, showers, and legal assistance to individuals facing poverty, mental health challenges, or substance abuse-related offenses. Bond believes this will help address overcrowding at the Fulton County Jail, where 70 inmates are currently sleeping on the floor.

Why it matters

Bond argues that jailing those suffering from homelessness, poverty, or mental illness does not help them access the resources they need. Expanding pre-arrest diversion programs could provide more compassionate alternatives to incarceration. This is also timely as Atlanta prepares to host World Cup matches, when the city has previously seen a spike in arrests of unhoused individuals.

The details

Bond's resolution urges the Atlanta Police Department to make greater use of the city's pre-arrest diversion programs run by the Center for Diversion and Services. These programs can serve around 40 people per day, but recent data shows the daily average was only 8 in January 2026, tying a 12-month high. Bond believes there are 'quite a lot' of eligible cases that are not being diverted.

  • Kelsea Bond introduced the resolution on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • Atlanta is set to host World Cup soccer matches in the coming months.

The players

Kelsea Bond

Atlanta City Councilmember for District 2 who introduced the resolution urging the Atlanta Police Department to expand the use of pre-arrest diversion programs.

Center for Diversion and Services

The organization that offers the pre-arrest diversion programs in Atlanta, providing wraparound support services.

Fulton County Jail

The overcrowded county jail where 70 inmates are currently sleeping on the floor.

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What they’re saying

“We've all known for quite a while that there is a human rights crisis at the Fulton County Jail with overcrowding and unsafe conditions.”

— Kelsea Bond, Atlanta City Councilmember (Atlanta News First)

“We need to make sure we have people-first policies. When somebody is suffering from homelessness, extreme poverty, mental illness, throwing them behind bars does not help them get back on their feet or access the resources they need.”

— Kelsea Bond, Atlanta City Councilmember (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

Although Councilmember Bond hopes the Atlanta Police Department will listen to the resolution, city council does not have the authority to mandate police action.

The takeaway

This resolution highlights the need for more compassionate, people-centered approaches to addressing issues like homelessness, poverty, and mental illness, rather than relying on incarceration. Expanding pre-arrest diversion programs could provide vital support services while reducing strain on the criminal justice system.