This panel will focus on efforts to block the many roads to prison. A potential benefit of exploring “what is a criminal” is that it becomes clear which people are most likely to gain that title. While diversion programs receive far less attention and support than incarceration, they shine a light on who becomes a criminal and what it takes to prevent that outcome.
Chief John Drury, Farmington Police
Chief Drury, in collaboration with the Dover Police Department, is overseeing a two-year pilot of the LEAD (Law-Enforcement Assisted Diversion) program. This program encourages alternatives to arrest for some lawbreakers, especially for crimes that result from substance misuse. Under the program, police officers may refer offenders to recovery programs or help them find housing rather than jailing them.
The Honorable Tina Nadeau (UNH ’85), Chief Justice, New Hampshire Superior Court
In 2006, Justice Nadeau spearheaded the effort to open a drug court docket in Rockingham County Superior Court and presided as the drug court judge for four years. Once she became Chief Justice, she secured federal funding for drug courts in two additional counties. Under Justice Nadeau’s leadership, a total of ten drug courts are up and running in New Hampshire. In 2016, Justice Nadeau worked with legislators to pass legislation for statewide funding of drug court in New Hampshire. As part of the statewide legislation, Justice Nadeau has hired a statewide coordinator and is working with all the counties to ensure they are complying with the National Standards for Adult Drug Courts. As Chief Justice, she continues to cover for other drug court judges at least once per month.
Carrie Conway
Criminal Justice Programming Coordinator, Strafford Co
Ms. Conway began working for Strafford County in 2002. She currently works as the Criminal Justice Programming Coordinator overseeing Drug Court, Mental Health Court, Habitual Offender Academy, Transitional Housing , and supervising Community Corrections such as pre- and post-trial bail release programs. She also oversees grants for such programs as the Supervised Visitation Center and the Family Justice Center, and collaborates with the COAST Bus to assist in county transportation efforts. Ms. Conway graduated from Plymouth State College with a Bachelors of Science degree in Social Work in 1997 and the University of New England in 1999, where she obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work. She is also a Certified Correctional Officer and Certified Public Manager.