Horsham PD Will Now Help Those With Substance Abuse Get Treatment, Not Just Arrest

HORSHAM, PA — Montgomery County residents battling substance abuse can now utilize the Horsham Township Police Department as a health-related resource as opposed to an guide into the criminal justice system.

Horsham Police announced Friday their participation in the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, which enables county residents who suffer from a substance use disorder to use Horsham officers for assistance.

Individuals are now welcome to visit the Horsham Police headquarters and one of the department’s members will work to help the person get enrolled in a treatment program, without the fear of arrest and prosecution.

According to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, the goal of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative is to connect people who suffer from a substance use disorder with treatment options, and to take away the fear of being arrested and charged in connection with the use of an illegal substance.

“When a Pennsylvania county joins the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative program, every law enforcement entity within that county has an opportunity to save lives and play a role in breaking the stigma of drug and alcohol addiction,” reads information about the program on the state Attorney General’s website. "The program empowers law enforcement officers to guide individuals who are suffering from addiction into treatment, rather than diverting them into the criminal system.”

The Attorney General’s Office says that the program is designed to help individuals and families to get involved in “breaking the cycle of addiction.”

Additional information about the program provided by Horsham Police says that treatment will be offered as a diversionary option for individuals facing misdemeanor crimes associated with addiction, and that police will work to connect people with organizations like the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol and its treatment partner, Gaudenzia, “who are ready, willing and able to provide help.”

Those looking to find out more information about the program are welcome to contact Agent Janene M. Holter, PhD., a strategic initiatives operator with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, at treatment@attorneygeneral.gov or via phone at 570-826-2483.

Additional information about the program can also be found here.