August 20, 2025
The Hornell Police Department would like to remind residents about its DIVERT program (Drug Intervention through Voluntary Education, Rehabilitation and Treatment). This program was started in early 2020 and continues to offer a compassionate and proactive alternative to the traditional criminal justice system for individuals struggling with addiction.
Since its launch, the DIVERT program has helped connect community members with treatment providers, including CASA Trinity, and has given individuals the opportunity to seek recovery support voluntarily, without fear of arrest or prosecution.
DIVERT is strictly voluntary and continues to build on Chief Ted Murray’s long-standing open-door policy, allowing residents to walk into the department, turn over drugs, and ask for help confidentially.
The DIVERT program remains one part of HPD’s broader commitment: continuing strong enforcement against drug use while offering those struggling with addiction a genuine chance at treatment and recovery.
The DIVERT program is speer headed by Captain Michael Sexsmith, and is coordinated with our designated DIVERT officers, Patrolman Seth Blanchand, Timothy Thurston, Eric Kerr, and Sgt. Dan Murray.
So if you are that person in need of help or even if you are someone seeking options to help that person you care about, do it now before it’s too late. Come and speak with one of our dedicated DIVERT officers currently serving as liaisons, working with individuals to establish contact, arrange treatment meetings, and track progress.
