An Alternative To Arrest: Montco Police Join Drug Treatment Lead

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — Police in Montgomery County have joined an initiative that aims to broaden drug treatment and related support options in the community.

The new Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative works in two ways: those in need can simply ask for help at a local police station, or residents arrested for simple possession or related misdemeanors have the option of partaking in the program instead.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro praised the work done in Montgomery County to get the project off the ground. The county joins Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Dauphin, Delaware, Northumberland, Schuylkill, and Somerset counties, who have all launched similar programs.

“As we continue to combat the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania, giving individuals access to the treatment they need will save lives and make our communities safer," Shapiro said in a statement. “Montgomery County's commitment to the LETI program offers crucial support to Pennsylvanians suffering from substance use disorders, and I commend District Attorney Kevin Steele for his willingness to tackle this crisis across the board."

The District Attorney's office said the overall goal of the program is to reduced overdoses, death, and crime related to substance use. More than 250 people die per year in Montgomery County due to drug overdoses.

Once an individual submits to the program, an intake interview with be conducted, and they will be transported by police to the treatment facility.

Assistant District Attorney Cara McMenamin, captain of the Treatment Courts, will head up the new initiative.

The following charges make an individual eligible for the program: simple possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor theft, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, fake ID and other related misdemeanor charges.