Diversion Programs
The philosophy of the UW-Whitewater Police Department is to gain voluntary compliance through the least restrictive method of intervention possible. Our belief is that enforcement can be used as a tool to educate, encourage and inform; it will not compel individual change. With that philosophy in mind we have three individual diversion programs currently in place. The diversion programs enable students to realize the magnitude of the decisions that they make, without it becoming part of their permanent record. It is a tool to educate students about how decisions can affect their life now and in the future. Police Officers are able to refer individuals to all the diversion programs at their discretion.
The alcohol diversion program (ADP) provided at UW-Whitewater is a voluntary program offered to first time offenders of underage alcohol consumption/possession. First time offender means, no prior contacts with law enforcement, Residence Life or Dean of Student Life on campus. UW-Whitewater Officers have full discretion as to whether or not to refer someone to the ADP. The cost of the program is $150. Participants must attend a mandatory meeting and write a two-page reflection paper on their experience. They must not have any contact with UW-Whitewater Police, Residence Life or the Dean of Students office for alcohol related offenses for 90 days from the class date. If a participant does not complete the program because they have a contact with any of the above entities for alcohol, they will then receive the citation.
To pay for ADP, go to the ADP Payment Page.
The Marijuana Diversion Program is an educational, first-time offender program that can be offered to an individual who is found to be in possession of marijuana or related drug paraphernalia. This program is strictly voluntary, and individuals referred have the option of receiving a citation or completing the program. The cost of the program is $200.00.
Individuals referred to the program must attend a one-time, hour long meeting discussing potential health, legal, and social consequences of drug abuse, counseling resources available on campus, and the dangers of drug impaired driving. Program participants must also complete a 90-day probationary period with no alcohol or drug related contacts with Police, Dean of Students, or Residence Life.
This program is designed to create an alternative to a possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia citation. If the individual successfully completes the program requirements, no citation will be issued and there will be no state record for the marijuana/paraphernalia violation. There will be a local record at UW-Whitewater Police Department of your participation in the Marijuana Diversion Program.
The program participation fee is non-refundable. Failure to complete the program requirements may result in the issuance of citation/s or referral of charges for the original offense.
To pay for MDP, go to the MDP Payment Page.
The Traffic Diversion Program is an educational tool for law enforcement officers. It is just one more tool they have on their belt. They have the option of issuing a citation, giving a written or verbal warning or referring to the Traffic Diversion Program. The Traffic Diversion Program has a cost of $100.00 and the person must view the program on-line and successfully pass the associated quiz. The violation does not go on their driving record.