Battle Against Opioid Addiction Going Beyond Law Enforcement

Opioid addiction and overdoses have been a growing problem throughout the commonwealth, including in Watertown, where 10 people have died of opioid overdose so far this year.

The Watertown Police Department is trying to find a solution to the problem, joining other area towns in partnering with the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiativeto implement new addiction recovery initiatives.

“We recognize that the disease of addiction poses a challenge to the overall health and well being of our community and we understand that a humane and compassionate approach to this problem will yield the best results, which is why we are thrilled to be involved in a revolutionary approach to handling this epidemic,” said Police Chief Ray Dupuis. “We are inspired by the efforts of the Gloucester Police Department, the Arlington Police Department and the other P.A.A.R.I. agencies.”

While the police department will continue to focus on enforcing drug laws, Chief Dupuis said the department will expand the battle against opioids. Encouraging those suffering from addiction to seek treatment will be a primary focus of the Watertown Police Department.

Watertown Police recently implemented a Nasal Narcan program to increase the chances of saving someone suffering from heroin and other opioid overdoses. As part of their recovery initiatives, members of the police department will be trained on how best to respond to situations involving those suffering from addiction. Collaborating with Advocates’ Jail Diversion Program, Watertown Police recently hired a full-time clinician who will work with officers to get people the help they need, Dupuis announced.

Through its partnership with P.A.A.R.I., Watertown Police will have access to a network of drug detox and long-term treatment centers around the country, which have agreed to support P.A.A.R.I. police partners in helping those in need receive the treatment they need.

The department has also joined the Watertown Access to Treatment Education and Resources (W.A.T.E.R.town) Coalition. It is comprised of elected officials, municipal departments, doctors, residents, people in recovery, social service agencies and service providers like Wicked Sober, GRASP and Right Turn. The three primary objectives of the coalition are to:

• Erase the stigma and shame associated with addiction
• Identify resources that may be able to help those suffering from addiction
• Link those in need to the appropriate services.

As part of the W.A.T.E.R.town Coalition’s efforts, the city will declare Oct. 18 through Oct. 25 “Erase the Stigma Week.” During that week, a red ribbon campaign will be organized to show support for those struggling with addiction. Members of church clergy will discuss opioid addiction during their weekly sermons and speakers. Theater performances and documentaries will target students in the middle school and high school.

Watertown officers are also working with the school district to establish a substance free club —Youth Opposed to Using (Y.O.U.), in the high school and middle school. Members of the club will sign a contract pledging to remain substance free, and participating students will be eligible for discounts at local businesses, access to “members only” celebrations and other incentives.

The department is also looking into implementing a public notification system designed to help prevent overdoses in the community. Working with the health department and using the city’s reverse 911 system, residents who have a friend or loved one struggling with addiction will be able to sign up to receive a notification every time police notice increase in overdoses. The automated call from the health department would serve as a reminder for those on the call list to check on their loved ones to make sure they are doing OK.

“We are pleased to welcome the Watertown Police Department to P.A.A.R.I. to expand our network of partner agencies,” said John Rosenthal, co-founder of P.A.A.R.I. “Together, we will continue to work toward saving lives by placing people into treatment and aiding in their recovery efforts.”