Hope Not Handcuffs – Substance Abuse Assistance

'Hope Not Handcuffs'

The North Castle Police Department officially launched a partnership with “Hope not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting people who have substance abuse issues. The program consists of a pre-arrest diversion to one of their “Angel” volunteers, who will respond to police headquarters and facilitate the person’s placement into a treatment facility.  The Town of North Castle Police Department is one of approximately fifteen police departments in Westchester County who have currently partnered with Hope not Handcuffs.

If a person comes into the North Castle Police Department requesting help with a substance abuse addiction, we will facilitate help through the Hope not Handcuffs program.  There are other pathways to provide persons in need with access to the Hope not Handcuffs program.  There may be circumstances in which an officer in the field recognizes a potential candidate and engages in conversation with the person.  Furthermore, if a person does not feel comfortable coming into a participating police station, anyone may contact Hope not Handcuffs directly to discuss their options for treatment.  They also have access to health insurance for this program if a person does not have the means.

This program will not be for everyone.  Some individuals who have been previously convicted of certain criminal offenses may not be eligible.  This is not a “Get out of jail free” program, but there are certain circumstances in which a person will not be charged criminally for possessing illicit drugs within the context of this program.  If a person comes into the North Castle Police Department requesting help and they have illicit drugs on their person, those drugs will be secured for destruction and the person will not be charged, provided they conform with the program.

For our general area, Hope not Handcuffs originated in Orange County, NY.  They now operate in the counties of Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess and soon to be Sullivan County.  They have placed more than 500 people into treatment facilities since they began their operation in Orange County, NY in 2019.

Please see the Hope not Handcuffs – Hudson Valley website for further information, or call: (833) 428-HOPE.

Local News coverage:

https://westchester.news12.com/hope-not-handcuffs-offers-help-to-those-struggling-with-drug-addiction

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2021/08/02/westchester-county-police-hope-not-handcuffs-drug-addiction-treatment-opioid-crisis/

Press Release