Our local PD an conjunction with others just initiated this program. Im in the process of becoming a guide (basically a ride to rehab) The program has the municipalities enter into arrangements with various rehabilitation organizations to get priority entry on the taxpayer dime (better to pay for rehab than prison or ICU) Our area has a substantial opioid problem. This is a good outreach effort. If you dont have something like this in your community already, not a bad thing to bring to your local police chief.
>From the program webpage: -- The Safe Passage Initiative was created to help heroin and opiate addicts get into recovery. If you need help, or know someone who needs help into recovery from addiction, you just need to come to the PD and ask for it. We are here to help with the steps towards recovery. There will be some paperwork that needs to be completed and then you may be paired with a volunteer who will help guide you through the process. We have partnered with treatment centers to ensure that our patients receive the care and treatment they deserve - not in days or weeks, but right away and have a path going forward. You can bring drugs or drug paraphernalia with you to the police department. We will dispose of it for you. You will not be arrested. You will not be charged with a crime. You will not be jailed. You will be directed to the appropriate treatment plan. If you only see yourself as part of the team but you don't see your team as part of yourself you have already failed as part of the team.
