Police Drug Diversion Program

The Police Drug Diversion Program (PDDP) is a legislated diversion program that enables police to offer eligible persons, apprehended for a minor drugs offence, with an opportunity to attend and complete a Drug Diversion Assessment Program (DDAP) instead of having to go through the normal court process.

What is A Minor Drug Offence?

Under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, a minor drug offence is an offence against the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 that involves either or both of the following:

• possession of not more than 50 grams of cannabis;
• possessing a thing for use, or that has been used, for smoking cannabis.

This program is only available for offences involving cannabis. For diversion programs involving other illicit drugs, please see our page on the Court Diversion Program.

Am I Eligible for the Police Drug Diversion Program?

Eligibility for the Police Drug Diversion Program requires the following:

• The person has not committed another indictable offence in circumstances relating to the minor drug offence
• The person has not previously been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for trafficking, supplying or producing a dangerous drug
• The person has not previously been convicted of an offence involving violence against a person (or has been convicted but the rehabilitation period has expired)
• The person made admissions to the offence
• The person has not been offered an opportunity to attend a PDDP.

How Does The Police Drug Diversion Program Work?

Once a person is found to be eligible, police will make an offer to attend a DDAP. The DDAP is a single session which lasts about 2 hours and covers an assessment and education/brief intervention program. Attendance at the DDAP is mandatory to successfully complete the diversion program.

Benefits Of The Police Drug Diversion Program

• You will not receive a criminal charge;
• You will not have to go to court;
• You will not receive a criminal record.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.