K9 Sergeant Paul Roderick’s dog checks for drugs at Barnstable County Correctional Facility (BCCF), part of the widespread effort to detect and seize illegal opiates. While enforcement is among the accepted criteria for a second round of state grant awards, the one the county sheriff’s office received this week will focus instead on treatment – specifically as dispensed to inmates at BCCF.
BOURNE – The Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department is getting $178,000 from the Baker Administration to sustain and combat heroin and opioid crime reduction efforts.
The money comes from a second round of competitive federal grants to help strengthen and enhance efforts to fight the crisis in Massachusetts, including prevention, intervention, diversion, enforcement and treatment.
“Since inception of our program, 224 sentenced opiate users have been identified and received direct treatment while in jail. Due to collaboration with the courts, treatment has been expanded to the pre-sentenced population with a three-month program for opiate users who are pre-sentenced. Since December of 2016 there has been 48 pre-sentenced females and 107 pre-sentenced males identified. They have all received intakes and treatment plans. This funding will allow us to continue our innovative treatment programs,” said Barnstable County Sheriff Jim Cummings.
“These law enforcement organizations have valuable experience in providing treatment to individuals looking to get back on their feet and work beyond their addiction,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
“We look forward to seeing them sustain the progress they are making in their communities, providing a powerful positive impact to those in need of recovery services.”
