Problem solving evaluation and presentation methods

Purpose of presentation: comparing LEAD with The Herring Problem Solving Method
The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) happens to be a grant-funded program aimed at rehabilitating low-level drug crimes and prostitution in Belltown, Seattle, Washington along with King County’s Skyway area. Initiated and administered by a group of law enforcement agencies, public representatives, along with community groups, the program aims to enhance public safety and reduce crime by offering job training, housing, mental health treatment, and healthcare to low-level prostitutes and drug offenders (LEAD, 2017). The program’s focus on rehabilitation as opposed to conventional, punitive methods is one of its major strengths. This presentation compares this program with the problem solving model presented in the video presentation from Week Two, which depicts “The Herring Problem Solving Method.”
The Herring Problem Solving Method
Identify the problem
Quantify the problem
Describe the problem
Identify stakeholders
Propose solutions
Select the best solution
Develop the solution
Identify resources
Implement program
The Herring Problem Solving Method is a nine-step problem solving approach. These steps include: problem identification, problem quantification, problem statement (description), stakeholder identification, identification of solutions, solution selection, solution development, resource identification, and program implementation.
Comparison
Similarities with The Herring Problem Solving Method
Problem identification
Identification of solutions
The LEAD program has a number of similarities with The Herring Problem Solving Method, especially with respect to problem identification, solution identification, stakeholder involvement, and program implementation. It is evident that the problem the program aims to solve is low-level prostitution and drug crimes. As per The Herring Problem Solving Method, identifying the problem is the first step of solving a problem. There are two solutions through which the identified problem can be solved: imprisonment and/or rehabilitation. According to The Herring Problem Solving Method, several solutions should be proposed to address the problem, and then the best solution selected. For the LEAD program, the rehabilitative approach is deemed the most appropriate solution as it focuses on rehabilitation rather than punitive punishment.
Comparison Cont…
Stakeholder involvement
Program implementation
Administering the program involves several stakeholders, including law enforcement organisations, public personnel, and community organisations. This approach resonates with the collaborative approach recommended by The Herring Problem Solving Method. Finally, the LEAD program clearly describes how implementation is done. If an offender is arrested, they are sent to the program instead of jail. The rehabilitative process encompasses, among other aspects, offender assessment, placement into relevant treatment, and training.
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Comparison Cont…
Elements left out
Quantification of problem quantification
Program evaluation
In spite of similarities, the LEAD program does not fully meet the elements of The Herring Problem Solving Method. For instance, the program gives little attention to the second step of the problem solving method – problem quantification. Problem quantification involves using numbers or statistics to measure the problem. It would have been crucial to provide numbers relating to aspects such as offender rates with respect to low-level prostitution and drug crimes. More dissimilarity is evident at the implementation stage. The Herring Problem Solving Method recommends program evaluation as part of the implementation process. Evaluation is vital for ascertaining the effectiveness of the program. There is no evidence of evaluation in the LEAD program.
Conclusion
LEAD program – brilliant program
Mostly consistent with The Herring Problem Solving Method
Overall, the LEAD program is a brilliant program aimed at rehabilitating low-level prostitution and drug crime offenders. The program is mostly consistent with The Herring Problem Solving Method, save for a few aspects such as problem quantification and evaluation. Following the problem solving model in totality would have enhanced the program’s effectiveness.
Reference
LEAD. (2017). LEAD - Home. Retrieved from http://leadkingcounty.org/