Berlin Police Begin New Drug Treatment Program

Information via Berlin Police/photo credit: Tim Jensen

BERLIN, CT - Police Chief John M. Klett is proud to announce that the Berlin Police Department has joined with area police agencies, health care providers, and the State’s Attorney’s Office to begin a new program called H.O.P.E (Heroin Opioid Prevention & Education). The program gives police officers discretion when making an opioid-related arrest and provides an alternative coordinated pathway to treatment and recovery.

Among the partners are: The Berlin and New Britain Police Departments, the New Britain Fire Department, the Hospital of Central Connecticut and Midstate Medical Center, Community Mental Health Affiliates, Wheeler Clinic, Rushford Clinic, Corum Deo, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and New Britain EMS. The joint announcement was made on November 26th at the New Britain Police Department’s community room during a press conference.

Through a memorandum of understanding, officers will have discretion when encountering an individual struggling with addiction on the street. Officers can forgo a possession or paraphernalia charge in order to get a person into treatment; if the person has an arrest pending—that charge will be dealt with first. Officers have received training that will aid them with providing assistance to individuals looking for a path to recovery.

Through the H.O.P.E. initiative, officers who come in contact with heroin or opioid abusers will encourage them to check into treatment without the fear of arrest. Police and emergency responders will bring the patient to an emergency room, where they will be assessed for appropriate treatment. Patients will also be offered a recovery coach and access to wrap around services.

“We know we cannot arrest and prosecute our way out of this problem. Rather, the hope is that opioid addicted individuals now have the opportunity to voluntarily seek assistance. They can be identified by officers or first responders coming into contact with them, or they may be referred by the Court. We are excited to partner with the other agencies and be a part of this initiative. ” - Chief John M. Klett