Philadelphia’s Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP) is expanding its reach, doubling its weekly schedule and adding three new locations citywide. This program provides an alternative to traditional prosecution for minor offenses, allowing participants to avoid a criminal record by completing requirements like community service or treatment.

Program Expansion Details

The expansion, announced this week, aims to increase access to the program for hundreds of individuals annually. Beginning April 6th, AMP will operate Monday through Thursday at five sites across Philadelphia, according to Caleb Arnold, who supervises the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office’s adult diversion unit.

Temporary Closure and Reinstatement

AMP, the city’s largest misdemeanor diversion program, was suspended at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. It was later reinstated, but on a limited basis, operating only two days a week. The Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice was closed on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, with the Philadelphia Sheriff assisting people outside the courthouse.

Program Effectiveness and Participation

Data indicates that participants overwhelmingly complete AMP and have low rates of re-arrest – results prosecutors cite as evidence of the program’s success. Before 2020, the program handled over 100 cases daily, but participation decreased to 40-60 cases per day during the pandemic. Officials anticipate caseloads will grow as the new sites become operational.

Program Tracks and Completion Rates

AMP operates with two tracks: AMP I, for those with no prior criminal record, and AMP II, for individuals with prior nonviolent misdemeanor convictions. Since 2022, approximately 96% of participants in AMP I and 99.5% in AMP II have successfully completed the program. Around 7% of those who completed the program were rearrested within a year, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Increased Accessibility and Future Growth

Currently, AMP operates out of the Center for Criminal Justice and the 25th Police District. The expansion will include sites at the 18th Police District and other locations across the city. Prosecutors and public defenders hope this increased proximity to arrest locations will improve participation rates. Municipal Court Administrative Judge Joffie C. Pittman III expressed optimism that the expansion will positively impact communities by addressing quality-of-life issues related to non-violent offenses like drug possession, theft, and trespassing. The court is prepared to extend the program to Fridays if caseloads continue to increase.