It is one of the best Community Engagement Programs I have ever used. This program alone has driven down my crime rate by close to thirty percent without using stronger proactive policing or special assignments.

The program is called Safe Passage. The process is straightforward: individuals seeking assistance visit the Taylorville Police Department, where they are connected with a Police Officer to speak to; the officer makes sure he/she does not need any medical treatment. The Officer then has dispatch reach out to one of our Safe Passage Coordinators, the coordinator ensures a confidential and non-judgmental environment, conducting a brief assessment before arranging immediate transportation to a treatment facility through volunteer drivers. This partnership with facilities across Central Illinois facilitates swift access to necessary care, often within hours. Post-treatment, clients are encouraged to attend outpatient therapy sessions, supporting their journey toward recovery.

Notably, the program boasts a commendable success rate of approximately 40% in the past year alone, underscoring its impact on reducing crime and enhancing community safety. Over 900 citizens we call clients have been assisted since July 1st, 2019, highlighting its profound effect on saving lives and reuniting families. Importantly, participants are assured that turning in drugs and paraphernalia to the program does not result in arrest or charges; instead, they are directed toward vital treatment options.

In addressing the pervasive challenges of addiction, the Safe Passage Program stands as a beacon of hope, offering crucial support and resources to those in need, ultimately fostering healthier, safer communities.

This not only builds trust with that person suffering it builds trust with family and friends.

What does it do to the police department? And the city? The officers do not have to deal with the same person stealing, breaking in, or squatting in vacant homes, and the program lowers your service call volume. What does it do in the eyes of the community? It shows that your members of the police department do not have a stigma on substance abuse. It brings the citizens closer to the department members; it shows empathy towards the citizens you protect. When the citizens recover, what happens? He or she does not steal to support their habit, does not conduct robberies to support their habit, and lives a productive life.