Opioid Addicts May Turn to Enfield Police For Help

ENFIELD, CT — A general order issued by new police chief Alaric Fox is aimed to help counter the growing problem of opioid addiction that is affecting life in every community, especially Enfield, and hopes to quell the fear of legal repercussions.

Persons who request help with their addiction to opiates may do so by coming to the police department headquarters on Elm Street, by approaching an officer in person or by calling the department at 860-763-6400.

The order to all members of the police department, effective May 28, states, "Any individual who enters the Enfield Police Department, or who otherwise contacts the Enfield Police Department and requests help with their addiction to opiates will be provided with medical assistance, as described below, in lieu of an arrest of that individual. Any officer having contact with such an individual will notify the shift commander that a potential opioid addiction intake is requesting help with their addiction.

Officers who interact with persons in the field, who are in possession of small amounts of “personal use” opiates, or drug related paraphernalia associated with opioid use, may use this procedure in lieu of, or in conjunction with, an arrest. Officers will consult with their supervisor to determine whether an arrest, medical referral, or both, are appropriate under the facts of a given interaction."

St. Francis Hospital would be the destination of those deemed to be in need of medical assistance, with transportation being done by an assigned police officer or, if medically necessary, by Enfield EMS. A similar arrangement is soon anticipated with Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford, according to the order.

There are two exceptions in the new policy, according to the order. One is for individuals under age 18 who do not have parental or guardian consent.

"In the event that a person under age 18 does request assistance under this policy, every reasonable effort shall be made to contact a parent or legal guardian to attempt to secure such assistance," the order states.

The second exception is for individuals for whom outstanding arrest warrants exist. The policy reads, "A person will be deemed ineligible to participate in this program if they are the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant and they are unable to make any court set bond. Under any such circumstances, however, appropriate medical care will be provided in connection with their detention."

File photo credit: Tim Jensen

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