The 19% of cases not prosecuted due to lack of evidence doesn’t really have anything to do with diversion program efficacy though? It’s an interesting aside question but it’s just that, a question without any context. Is that high? How has that number changed and why? Who knows!

Diversion program effectiveness is a fair thing to question. Giving an anecdotal story about one youth who committed an offense while part of a diversion program and then rambling on about random statistics you got from an information request sure isn’t an effective or persuasive argument about the need for such.

It’s just not a good piece.

> Another block of 73 cases — 16 percent — were dismissed and diverted to alternative no-incarceration programs or deferred sentencing agreements.

Y’all really that concerned about officials giving 73 kids the opportunity to stay out of the system?

> What, if anything, do those 19 percent “no paper” cases say about the credibility and effectiveness of D.C. policing?

I don’t know what do they say? The author offers no context about how common this is so I guess we’re just supposed to wonder.

> The issue isn’t whether to lock up or divert more youths from detention.

Isn’t it? Could have fooled me because that’s what your entire opinion piece was about.

> At issue is how to deter kids from committing crimes and make our city safe for both them and their community.

Okay sure but literally nothing in your piece speaks to that.

What even is this piece? I don’t think the author even knows. “Just asking questions” I guess. What a waste of space but unsurprising considering most of what gets printed on the opinion pages.