Massachusetts Town Says It Will Stop Arresting Drug Addicts, Get Them Medical Help Instead
”The town of Gloucester, Massachusetts took a radical step this week. Its police department has decided to be the first in the country to categorically refuse to arrest drug addicts. Instead, it is inviting them to come to the department, where they will then help them find medical treatment.
The police chief, a former narcotics officer named Leonard Campanello, said he believes they cannot reduce the supply of illegal drugs, but they can reduce the demand. “We wanted the police department to be one of the safe havens you can walk in when you’re ready, and we don’t want to waste that moment, when the addict is ready,” he said.
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