By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
Aiming to help substance abusers kick their bad habits, the Princeton Police Department and Corner House have created the Princeton C.A.R.E. (Community Addiction Recovery Effort) program in a partnership with Recovery Advocates of America.
The Princeton Police Department is one of several Mercer County police departments that have initiated a partnership with Recovery Advocates of America. The nonprofit group attempts to reduce the stigma of addiction and provides a safe haven for addicts as they try to overcome their addictions.
Princeton police officers who come into contact with someone who shows signs of addiction – either physical signs or through their behavior, such as repeated driving-while-intoxicated offenses or criminal behavior to support their addictions – will ask the person if they want help in fighting the addiction.
If the person says they need help, Recovery Advocates of America will be contacted immediately. A representative will respond within an hour to help start the recovery process. If the person is not in jail, the process can begin the same day. Help is also available to someone who is in jail.
"We feel this will help people who are suffering from addiction. It’s a revolving door and they are not getting help. We are confident this will work," Police Chief Nicholas Sutter said.
There is no "down side" to the new program, which allows the police officer who makes contact with the person a chance to offer help, Chief Sutter said.
While the program is aimed at addiction in general, Chief Sutter said, "what we are seeing (most) is opioid addiction, but we can use it for any addiction."
Michael Ziccardi, who is the founder of Recovery Advocates of America, said the group is pleased to have a chance to implement the Princeton C.A.R.E. program with the Princeton Police Department.
"Together, we look forward to making a difference in the community to help save people from the horrors of addiction," Ziccardi said.
In addition to the Princeton Police Department, the other Mercer County police departments that have joined forces with Recovery Advocates of America include East Windsor, West Windsor, Ewing, Hopewell and Robbinsville.
