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Police, health agency to offer treatment instead of jail in Md.

BALTIMORE (AP) — Baltimore police and a mental health organization are launching a pilot program to offer some drug offenders treatment instead of jail.

Police and Behavioral Health System Baltimore announced Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD, at a news conference Monday.

Through the program, police officers can refer people suspected of low-level drug or prostitution crimes to case managers, who will help them get services, including drug treatment, mental health services and housing assistance.

The program will be a three-year pilot in the west side of downtown. Officials say at least 60 people are expected to be served by the program at any given time.

MASN Sports’ Melewski on the passing of legendary pitcher Steve Dalkowski

The pitching of Steve Dalkowski made it to the big screen, but he never made it to the major leagues. Dalkowski, who pitched for the Baltimore Orioles’ minor leagues teams from 1957-1965, died April 19 at the age of 80. The Nuke LaLoosh character in the movie classic "Bull Durham" was loosely based on Dalkowski’s career.
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