Combating Opiate Addiction Patrick E Keefe Chief of Police July 2015
Statement of the Problem The recent heroin epidemic has spared no community or law enforcement agency. The wide availability of heroin combined with the ever decreasing cost of the drug has resulted in addiction and death of epic proportions in every community, regardless of socio-economic status. Opiate poisoning (overdose) fatalities are the number one 1 cause of injury-related fatalities in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deaths from both prescription painkillers and heroin quadrupled between 1999 and 2013. In Andover as of May 12, 2015 the number of opiate overdoses has already surpassed the number of opiate overdoses in all of 2014. As communities and law enforcement agencies continue to strive to reduce the availability of illicit opiate drugs on the supply side, partnerships have also forged with social service agencies and health care providers to work collaboratively on intervention, treatment, and education initiatives. The widely publicized Angel program in Gloucester, Massachusetts is one example of such creative collaborations. Andover s geographic location, two Interstate Highways, State Highways and Roads has always created a volume of drug activity within its borders. The police department has had wide success at identifying, investigating, and successfully prosecuting persons responsible for distribution of heroin in the region and beyond. The Community of Andover has seen an increase in residents who have become addicted to opiates either in the form of prescription painkillers or heroin. To combat this opiate epidemic the Community needs to build on three Disciplines: ENFORCEMENT EDUCATION/AWARENESS INTERVENTION Mission: To reduce the distribution, usage, and opiate overdoses within the community by enforcement, innovative education, awareness and intervention. 1 http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db190.htm
Enforcement Goals 1. Reduce the number of opiate overdoses in the community; 2. Officers issued and carry NARCAN/naloxone; 3. Increase number of Substance Abuse Detectives; 4. Omni Presence Patrols in targeted areas; 5. Essex DA s Drug Diversion Program Ages 17-26; 6. Identify Distributors and prosecute to the full extent of the law; 7. Identify users and refer to Clinician/Counselor; 8. Refer overdose victims to Clinician/Counselor; 9. Partner with P.A.A.R.I. to access resources; Education/Awareness Goals 1. Hire Program Coordinator; 2. Create innovative ways to educate and make the community aware of addiction, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues. 3. Develop Community Training and Support to addicts, families and friends with regular schedule meetings; 4. Reduce the incidents of over-prescribing pharmaceutical opiates by medical doctors and dentists; 5. Expand access to Naloxone to addicts and their loved ones (i.e. dispense Naloxone); (August 26 th APD) 6. Educate Community of Rx drop box located in the Public Safety Center 24/7 7. Reduce the stigma associated with addiction; 8. Expand the frequency of community prescription drug take back days and mobilize drug take back assets to senior/public housing neighborhoods. Intervention Goals 1. Hire Addiction Clinician; 2. Develop proactive outreach program for addicts, families etc ; 3. Expand access to addiction treatment options and resources (inpatient & outpatient); 4. Expand access to medication/pharmaceutical assisted treatment for opiate addiction; 5. Empower and motivate families and the community by providing data driven strategies aimed at problem solving and managing addiction cases toward successful recovery; 6. Expand access with certified substance abuse interventionist;
The Response This community based strategy has two major components: 1. ACTIVIST(Preventive) Program Coordinator whose goal will be education and awareness in the community. The position would work with all Town Departments to identify needs and concerns. The position would create an innovative way to educate the community on addiction, abuse and disorders. The position would assist addicts, families and friends with support and resources to assist them through recovery creating a supportive non-judgmental environment. 2. ADVISOR(Reactive): Addiction Clinician whose goal would be assisting community members by developing an outreach program that would assist in accessing addiction treatment options and resources. The position would reach out to addicts and their families to support them in developing a plan to ensure their survival, to facilitate the long-term process of recovery, and to avail addicts and their loved ones to services. Summary The Andover Police Department is staffed with 53 sworn personnel and 20 civilians along with colleagues from neighboring Police Departments, State Police, Federal Agencies and the District Attorney s Office that have the knowledge, training and experience to continue the enforcement goals mentioned above. The Andover Police Department nor The Town of Andover has a staff member who has the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to conduct the education/awareness training that the Program Coordinator would be tasked to do. There are staff members who can assist and add expertise and experience. The same can be said about the Clinician position. The end state for this program would be that current members of our community who are suffering from addiction are assisted to get the treatment they desire and enter recovery. The other members of our community are educated and are aware of the dangers of opiates and never put themselves in a position where it s harmful to themselves and their families.
DRAFT SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROGRAM COORDINATOR DEFINITION The position would work with all Town Departments to identify needs and concerns regarding substance abuse and disorders. The position would create an innovative way to educate the community on addiction, abuse and disorders. The position would assist addicts, families and friends with support and resources to assist them through recovery creating a supportive non-judgmental environment. Essential Functions Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the progress, services provided, or other required information. Plan and coordinate events and programs for the community to educate its members on addiction, substance abuse and disorders. Counsel individually or in groups to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes. Confer with other professionals to maintain current policies and procedures to ensure the community is receiving current information. Attend Training sessions to increase knowledge and skills MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Therapy and counseling Organizational Skills Customer and Personal Service Active listening Service Orientation Judgment and Decision Making Oral Comprehension Oral Expression Education and Experience
DRAFT ADDICTION CLINICIAN DEFINITION The position would be assisting community members by developing an outreach program that would assist in accessing addiction treatment options and resources. The position would reach out to addicts and their families to support them in developing a plan to ensure their survival, to facilitate the long-term process of recovery, and to avail addicts and their loved ones to services. Essential Functions Develop treatment plans based on research, clinical experience and history. Review and evaluate progress in relation to measurable goals. Intervene as an advocate for clients or patients to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations. Coordinate counseling efforts with mental health professionals, such as doctors, nurses or social workers. Attend training sessions to increase knowledge and skills. Participate in case conferences or staff meetings. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Therapy and counseling Customer and Personal Service Active listening Service Orientation Judgment and Decision Making Oral Comprehension Oral Expression Education and Experience
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