Since July 1, 2016, The Ipswich Police Department has
implement Operation HOPE (Heroin – Opiate Prevention Effort). Any person
who enters the Ipswich Police Station, between the hours of 6:00 am and 6:00
pm, and requests help with their addiction to opiates, will be immediately
screened into the Operation HOPE program. These hours are established to ensure
the Ipswich Police Department has adequate staff available to provide the appropriate
level of assistance.
Participation
in Operation HOPE is voluntary. If a
potential program participant subsequently elects not to request assistance or
continue with program screening, they will be allowed to depart and no force
will be used to detain them or prevent them from doing so.
An Operation
HOPE “Angel” will be contacted. Upon arrival of the
Angel, the officer will brief the Angel on the situation and transition the
program participant to the care of the Angel.
The
officer will to assist them in exploring treatment options and attempting to
identify a program or facility which can assist the participant.