Is Jail Diversion Soft on Crime?

Imagine you are the chief of police in a city developing a “pre-booking” jail diversion program for people who commit quality of life or misdemeanor offenses that are connected to homelessness or mental illness.  A local citizen’s group is opposing the program because they believe it means you are “soft on crime.” You are holding a community meeting to hear their concerns and present your reasons for supporting the program. What would you say to them?