In 2017, the MPD first created the Madison Area Addiction Recovery Initiative (MAARI) which was at the time and continues to be a LE led pre-arrest diversion program for persons suspected of having Opioid or Substance Use Disorder (OUD). To be eligible individuals must be 18 and over and have been found by a LE officer to have committed a drug related crime but OUD or SUD is suspected to be the at root cause of the criminal behavior. All Madison police officers receive training to identify such situations and refer eligible participants to MAARI in lieu of arrest and criminal charges. When individuals are referred to the MAARI program, they undergo a comprehensive clinical assessment at the Dane County Treatment Readiness Center for OUD or SUD; agree to a six-month "MAARI Arrest Diversion" plan in lieu of facing criminal charges; and then connected with local treatment providers, other counseling services and peer support. When a participant completes their six-month MAARI Arrest Diversion plan, they receive a letter of congratulations from the Chief of Police acknowledging their MAARI program accomplishment and beginning of their recovery journey. The participant is also officially notified that as a result of their completion of MAARI, all MPD charges associated with the initial referral to MAARI have been "voided" by the department. Lastly, the MPD's non-profit partner (the Madison Community Policing Foundation) provides all MAARI program completers with a $100 VISA gift card.