RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – With the Mountain State still gripped by a deadly drug epidemic, the Beckley Police Department wants to do everything it can to help those in the throes of addiction.
West Virginia Sober Living Solutions suggested Police and Peers, a diversion and deflection program that redirects people away from the justice system.
“Engaging with them before they get incarcerated or prosecuted to get them into (community-based) treatment and on a recovery pathway,” said Police & Peers PRSS Heather Williams.
“We do on-patrol site visits with people on the street and take time to sit and talk with them any chance we get, try to connect them with our PRSS, and get the help they need,” Corporal John Sweetser said. “The way I see it is if I can help somebody get clean, get help, and become an active member of society, I can also cut down on the crime in the city.”
WVSLS now has Police and Peers in six counties and more than 12 jurisdictions. They send people to treatment every week or provide them with daily resources, including obtaining an ID, birth certificate, social security card, housing, food, and clothing, as needed. Williams is in recovery, so she relates firsthand to what these people go through.
“It’s like a success: little balloons pop off when they go to treatment because I know they’re wanting to better their life. I want that for them,” said the PRSS. “I know what it’s done for me being in recovery, my life has changed dramatically and become so successful since getting clean and sober.”
Officers are usually first on scene to deal with someone in crisis, but Deputy Chief David Allard says they may not always be best equipped to handle substance use disorder.
“Learned we can’t arrest our way out of this. We looked to bridge that gap with crisis intervention training. Now we have another tool in the toolbox with the peer recovery support specialist on staff here at the police department,” Allard said. “She’s not a police officer. She’s not feeding information to the police. She’s an option the police have to meet people right where they’re at.”
Williams says it’s been a great opportunity to work side by side with the Beckley Police Department.
“They’re more than willing to work as a team to help these people with SUD on the streets and suffering from homelessness and other mental health issues,” said the PRSS. “We’re really coming together and trying to tackle this, and also break the stigma of what addiction really is.”
Often, those suffering are uncomfortable with law enforcement. With Williams’ lived experience, she can break down those barriers and get people to open up.
“I’ve seen it firsthand as I’m walking out of the office, people coming in who would never walk into the police department,” Allard said they’re asking, ‘Is Heather here?’ They want to talk to her and ask for help. They need help. They didn’t know where to turn. And now they have a place to turn.”
