Immediately after taking office, Joe partnered with local law enforcement agencies to revamp and expand Cite and Release Diversion in Bexar County. This diversionary program saves both time and money by allowing officers to issue citations for non-violent misdemeanors. Diversion participants can complete their program and avoid the long-term impact of incarceration and a conviction, while maintaining jobs and staying at home with their families. Additionally, our law enforcement officers can remain on the street—proving other services to the community—after issuing a citation rather than bringing someone to the jail. And within the first two years, 6,000 people have avoided arrest and $5 million taxpayer dollars have been saved in booking costs alone.