Harnett County officially kicked off the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program during an event on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Harnett County’s LEAD program was developed in coordination with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition (NCHR), Harnett County Opioid Task Force, Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, 12^th Prosecutorial District Attorney’s Office, Daymark Recovery Services, Morse Clinic of Dunn, and Alliance Health.

The event marked the beginning of a new evidence-based diversion and deflection strategies program in Harnett County to assist individuals experiencing substance use, behavioral health, or other challenges.

“A unique thing about the roll out of LEAD in Harnett County is being a part of a broader expansion effort that NCHR is doing across the state. I get to see the different designs roll out in different communities,” said Greg Berry, Statewide LEAD & Deflection Manager with NCHR.

Harnett County joins over five North Carolina organizations and more than 60 organizations nationally, that have implemented this program and tailored it to meet the unique needs of their community.

“LEAD is an opportunity for law enforcement officers to use their discretion as a pathway for assisting those needing services in lieu of arrest for qualifying offenses. When we meet people where they are, the LEAD program will provide options that otherwise wouldn’t be available to assist people in crisis associated with mental and behavioral health history,” said Jeffrey Armstrong, Captain at the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office.

The LEAD program takes a two-pronged approach: promoting public safety and reducing crime while connecting repeat offenders with resources and support to address the underlying challenges that may contribute to repeated involvement with the justice system.

The resources and services offered in the program include case management, care coordination, behavioral health and substance use services, and other resources based on the participants needs and goals.

“In 2022, the Opioid Task Force had 16 priorities, and the top 3 priorities were a Drug Treatment Course, a Detox Center and maybe one day we would have a LEAD program. We talked about partnerships and operations. Four years later, it’s unbelievable that we now have the LEAD resource in our rural county,” said Coley Price, Harnett County Deputy Manager and Co-Chair of the Opioid Task Force.

The collaborating agencies spent months developing policy, preparing personnel for implementation, and establishing eligibility and processes to meet the community’s need.

The collaboration allows the partnering agencies to coordinate services, address barriers, staff appropriate cases, and troubleshoot program operations.

Although LEAD begins with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, the framework allows the program to potentially expand to municipal law enforcement agencies that may choose to participate in the future.