As opiod abuse continues to kill, we often hear this phrase from law enforcement: "We can't arrest our way out this crisis." One alternative, the brainchild of a Massachusettes police chief: Help, not handcuffs. The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative encourages addicts to turn over their drugs and praphernalia and instead of facing arrest, they get treatment. A hundred departments nationwide have signed on.
Nicole Walmsley, Ohio state representative for P.A.A.R.I
Chief Matt Vanyo, Olmsted Township Police Department
Chief Joe Grecol, Berea Police Department
Sgt. Patrick Greenhill, Supervisor, Community Engagement Unit, Berea Police Department
Andrew Nichol, Criminal Division Chief, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office
Resources: