Full Notification

Throughout 2018, the Janesville Police Department’s Death Recovery or Prison (DROP) program has continued to offer and provide assistance to community members suffering from opioid use disorders. Through the DROP program, the department offered assistance to 52 individuals who were identified as opioid users through police contacts or community outreach. Of those who were offered assistance, 28 accepted referrals to resources available in and out of the county. Criminal charges for the participants were either diverted or held until completion of the program.

The department officially became a member of The Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PARRI) and the Police, Treatment, and Community Collaborative (PTACC). In doing so, the Janesville Police Department officially joins 442 other agencies across the nation in creating non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery.

Also in 2018, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater awarded DROP a small grant, which will assist the Department in forming a program evaluation. The grant research is focused on identifying and providing necessary services, and addressing recidivism among persons struggling with opioid use disorders.

As in previous years, the DROP program coordinated with both Craig and Parker High Schools to provide presentations to students regarding the dangers of opioid addiction and resources available to those who suffer from addiction. Such presentations included testimonials from recovering addicts who have assisted the DROP program in helping others achieve or maintain sobriety. DROP provided similar programs to community businesses upon request.
DROP continues to work closely with community mental health professionals, medical professionals, and Recovery Coaches who provide services to community members assisted by the DROP program.

In summary, DROP continues to work, through the Janesville Police Department, towards coordination of services to all members of the community to help prevent addiction through awareness and education, and to provide resources to assist persons with opiate use disorders and help them achieve and maintain recovery.