Gov. Christie Signs Drug Treatment Expansion Into Law

Gov. Chris Christie has signed legislation into that will expand drug addiction treatment programs throughout the state.

Christie signed legislation Wednesday to enhance and expand addiction treatment programs and improve relationships between law enforcement officers and those suffering from addiction.

“All too often people afflicted with the disease of addiction have negative, counterproductive and repeated interactions with the criminal justice system,” Christie said.

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The bill, A-3744/S-2330, provides for the establishment of law enforcement-assisted addiction and recovery programs in law enforcement departments throughout the state.

It's not clear yet which towns, counties or regions will directly benefit from this expansion.

Under this new law, the director of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, will prescribe by regulation requirements for county and municipal law enforcement departments to establish a program within their departments.

Law enforcement will also develop and implement guidelines for the recruitment and training of law enforcement officers, volunteers and treatment providers to participate in the program.

“This new law allows police officers —often the first people to discover nonviolent drug offenders in their worst state — to become a point of access for help and recovery," Christie said. "This law improves upon access and assistance for those suffering from addiction, helping them to obtain treatment and re-enter society as productive members.”

The law also provides for:

• Supporting and facilitating the linkage of law enforcement-assisted addiction and recovery programs to facilities and programs that provide appropriate substance abuse recovery services and health care services
• Coordinating with law enforcement officials and program volunteers to ensure that individuals seeking to participate in the program are treated with respect, care and compassion, and are reassured that assistance will be provided
• Establishing requirements for an individual to be eligible for participation in the program, and develop and implement procedures for determining eligibility requirements for the program.

The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Richard J. Codey and Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee chairman Joseph F. Vitale.

“The raging heroin and opiate addiction crisis in New Jersey requires us to constantly reexamine how we do things. The reality is when individuals suffering from substance abuse fear law enforcement action, they are less likely to seek help when they need it,” said Codey, D-Essex and Morris. “This law addresses that perception and will help those individuals get the treatment they need without fear of arrest.”

“Substance abuse is a disease, not a crime, and individuals who are battling addiction require an integrated approach that involves law enforcement, health care professionals, and mental health specialists working together to help put guide them to the road to recovery,” said Vitale (D-Middlesex). “Law enforcement-assisted programs across the state will help in that effort.”

Patch file photo