Columbia Co. joins Shapiro's 'Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative' - fox56.com

(WOLF) - Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced Monday that Columbia County is the latest to join his 'Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative'. The county joins Schuylkill and Northumberland counties in northeast Pennsylvania and 12 others located throughout the Commonwealth.

The state-supported community outreach program works with law enforcement agencies to provide assistance to non-violent Pennsylvanians suffering from substance use disorders enroll in treatment programs, keeping them out of jail. All people have to do is contact their local police department's, sheriff's offices or probation and parole officers to get information on those resources for addiction treatment. And they can do it without the fear of being arrested or facing charges. Shapiro says the program also assists those who do not have adequate transportation make it to their appointments.

Shapiro says his initiative saves lives, along with making it easier for them to actually get and stay in treatment.

"We know that so many people are struggling, battling with the disease of addiction," Shapiro said. "Sadly we know that we lose 14 Pennsylvanians every single day who succumb to addiction. We can't arrest our way out of this crisis. While the office of Attorney General under my leadership has arrested over 8100 drug dealers, we recognize those arrests alone are not sufficient. We need to provide avenues for treatment and support for those who are battling the disease of addiction."

He says the program also provides monitoring to ensure participants follow through on their recommended treatment.

source: https://fox56.com/news/local/columbia-co-joins-shapiros-law-enforcement-treatment-initiative

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