Point Pleasant To Join In Heroin Addiction Response Program

POINT PLEASANT, NJ - From now on, substance abusers who want help can turn themselves into the Point Pleasant Police Department, no questions asked, Capt. Robert Lokerson said.

The police department is joining several other major Ocean County towns in the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office “Blue Hart" program to assist individuals with an abuse disorder. "Blue Hart" stands for Blue Heroin Addiction Response Team. It was formally known as HARP - the Heroin Addiction Response Program.

Substance abusers can get help at any one of the six participating police departments for addiction services, without any threat of charges or jail, Lokerson said.

"Individuals will be immediately screened for potential participation in the program," he said. "After the screening process, the officer or shift supervisor will provide transportation for the participant to an agency as soon as reasonably possible"

The borough will participate in the project with Preferred Behavioral Health in Lakewood.

Police officers who encounter someone they believe could benefit from the Blue HART program can also bring the person to the police station, if the person consents to the voluntary screening process, Lokerson said.

Immediate critical help will be available at the Point Pleasant Police Department between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and at the Brick Police Department on Thursdays.

If you or a loved one needs help, come to the lobby of of the Point Pleasant police department on any Tuesday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Please bring minimal property with you.

For After Hours assistance, please call the following resources:

• NJ Addiction Services Assessment Hotline: 844-276-2777

• Lifeline Recovery Support Services: 888-520-0040

Photo: Courtesy of Point Pleasant Police Department