Acting Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen said the scheme was short on community work placements and supervisors in South Otago.
Under the adult diversion scheme, some offenders who have been charged are dealt with in an ''out of court'' way. If an offender complies with agreed conditions the police prosecutor can seek to have the charge withdrawn and a conviction will not be recorded.
In some cases, diversion includes community service.
It can only be carried out for a non-profit organisation that benefits the community, the victim or a person or organisation named by the victim, extended families or whanau, where appropriate.
Without enough willing volunteers, the scheme could not be offered in South Otago, Acting Snr Sgt Dinnissen said.
About three groups were part of the scheme, but more were needed.
Individuals and community groups were encouraged to take a letter expressing their interest in the scheme to the Balclutha police station before February 25, he said.
Those already involved with the scheme should reapply. Community work could include gardening, removing vegetation or rubbish, cleaning, painting and odd jobs.
Last year 26 adults aged between 17 and 90 took part in the scheme, up from 15 in 2012.
Offences ranged from minor assaults to driving and dishonesty offences, and wilful damage.
''We really need local buy-in, otherwise we may lose it.''
