The Safe Passages program as approach to combat the heroin epidemic: case of Will County, IL

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This research analyzes the police departments’ unconventional approach to fighting heroin by offering treatment instead. Police departments implement a program, the Safe Passages, that allows an individual addicted to heroin to enter the police department without fear of arrest or questioning. Methods A qualitative research design was used for this study that was centered on new initiatives that have been enacted by leaders in law enforcement in order to combat the heroin epidemic. This study analyzed the Safe Passages program in police departments in Will County: the overall cost of the program, information dissemination to the public, and the impact it has had on communities. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, and also available documentation that illustrated whether or not initiatives, such as the Safe Passages program, have been looked at as successful in certain communities. Results This qualitative study found three themes that emerged: heroin addiction was a problem in communities, the costs associated with the Safe Passages program, and the challenges, such as lack of recent participation and poor advertising, and effects the Safe Passages program has had on communities where the program was implemented. Conclusions The Safe Passages program is designed for intervention to assist police departments in combating the root problem of heroin addiction. The majority of respondents felt that Safe Passages program had made a positive impact in their communities, and they would encourage other police departments to utilize this program.