For Immediate Release
Wednesday, March 2, 2015
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-791-7627
Email: john@jgpr.net
Police In Whiteside County Launch Safe Passage Addiction Recovery Initiative
Program Places 41 People Into Treatment Since Sept. 1
DIXON, Ill. — Chief Danny Langloss is pleased to announce that Whiteside County, working with Lee County, has begun the Safe Passage Initiative this month to assist residents struggling with the disease of addiction.
Through a partnership with Lee County, the Rock Falls Police Department, Sterling Police Department, Morrison Police Department and the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Department will work to formulate proactive community strategies to tackle the heroin epidemic in their jurisdictions. They began Safe Passage on March 1.
“We are excited to be a part of this program and look forward to working with Lee County on a common goal,” Rock Falls Police Chief Tammy Nelson said. “Our officers are ready to go. If you are suffering from addiction and need help, we are here for you.”
Dixon Police and the Lee County Sheriff’s Department initially launched The Safe Passage Initiative: Police Giving Hope to Addicts Through the Tools For Recovery on Sept. 1. The addiction recovery initiative is aimed at encouraging addicts to seek the help of police officers and sheriff’s deputies, who will in turn get them into treatment.
Last week, law enforcement officials placed two people into treatment from Whiteside County — one from Rock Falls and one from Sterling. Since Sept. 1, through Safe Passage, 41 people have been put into treatment, including three people in the last six days.
“It is incredible to see law enforcement agencies working together on a regional scale,” Chief Langloss said. “This partnership is the foundation of many great things to come. As drug use continues to destroy families and communities, we know that what we have done in the past does not work. Alternative methods must be implemented to combat this national epidemic.”
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