Westchester County Police Forces Partner with Not-for-Profit, Hope Not Handcuffs, to Provide Resources to Those Seeking Addiction Assistance
Pleasantville, NY, August 2, 2021 - At a press conference, 15 municipal police forces in Westchester County gathered with not-for-profit Hope Not Handcuffs to announce a partnership that offers resources and support to those battling addiction.
“As law enforcement, we often become aware of situations that involve addiction and have repeatedly seen that many individuals and their families are unsure where to turn when seeking support,” said Pleasantville Police Chief Erik Grutzner. “Hope Not Handcuffs has shown they have the experience, resources and compassion to partner with law enforcement to offer assistance.”
Police departments in Westchester County, who have long sought additional resources to assist citizens dealing with addiction, have committed to an established program that seeks to find viable treatment options for individuals and their families who are seeking help. (A full list of participating departments can be found below.)
“This program is for people who are struggling with addiction who really have nowhere else to turn,” said Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble, whose department was the first in Westchester County to partner with Hope Not Handcuffs in March 2020. “They need to know that there’s a place of safety for everybody in our community, and that’s your police department.”
Approximately two million New Yorkers have a substance abuse problem[1] with recent data indicating that the number of those suffering has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hope Not Handcuffs is a compassionate solution to addiction that does not stigmatize people who are struggling to escape a toxic situation. They need support, not judgment,” said Yorktown Supervisor Matt Slater.
How the Program Works
Anyone seeking help in the fight of drug or alcohol addiction may come to any of the participating police forces and ask for the Hope Not Handcuffs program. They will be treated with compassion and respect. A call will be made to an “Angel” volunteer from the Hope Not Handcuffs team who will come and actively seek out a treatment plan. Individuals suffering from addiction will instantly gain an advocate and a network of resources designed to lead them to success, regardless of insurance status.
“We are so grateful to be in partnership with these police departments and commend them for their community-centered approach to addressing the challenge of addiction,” explained Program Director Annette Kahrs. “Hope Not Handcuffs offers a proactive option to people struggling with drug addiction to encourage them to seek recovery and regain control of their lives.”
Kahrs continued: “In addition to having the police forces recognize the importance of treatment programs, we value our angel volunteers who support families through their most vulnerable times.”
Following is the list of participating police departments in Westchester to date, with more being added regularly. Hope Not Handcuffs is also working with police departments in Putnam, Rockland and Sullivan counties.
Ardsley Police Department
Bedford Police Department
Greenburgh Police Department
Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department
Irvington Police Department
Mount Pleasant Police Department
New Castle Police Department
North Castle Police Department
Ossining Police Department
Pleasantville Police Department
Scarsdale Police Department
Sleepy Hollow Police Department
Tarrytown Police Department
Westchester County Police Department
Yorktown Police Department
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Additional Information:
Hope Not Handcuffs is actively seeking ‘angels’ for its program. For more information or to sign up to be an Angel please visit: www.tricountycommunitypartnership.org For any questions, please email us at rocklandangels@gmail.com or call us at (833) 428-4673.
A recording of the press conference will be available following the press conference at www.pleasantville-ny.gov
[1] According to www.health.NY.gov/prevention.
