When detectives are going door to door, most would think they’re conducting an investigation. But in recent weeks, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office took to the streets of Camden not to get information, but to spread the word about Operation Helping Hand.
Lt. Carlos Plaza said it’s a program that connects people dealing with substance abuse disorder with recovery specialists.
“We’ve seen through the New Jersey State Police through their DMI reporting, what we’ve had an increase in overdoses,” said Plaza, who serves as the Lieutenant on the Narcotics Unit. “Part of that was specifically here in Camden city, so the decision was let’s figure out ways to create an outreach of some sort to get our hotline number to everyone who may need this assistance.”
With social distancing still in effect, Plaza and his team, had to get creative. Their solution? Door hangers, because everyone steps outside at least once a day, even if they don’t go somewhere.
Detective Andy McNeil volunteered to help and said the outreach is critical.
“I think many in law enforcement have said it before: when it comes to substance abuse, we can’t arrest our way out of it,” said McNeil. “A big part of that is going to be connecting with the community and making sure that folks out there know that there are resources out there to help their loved ones if they’re battling addiction.”
Operation Helping Hand was expanded to Camden County In 2018, after the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and NJ Cares announced funding for all 21 counties through the Department of Health that’s continued each year since. Policing has evolved, according to Plaza, and the program has already shown to be successful in helping the community.
“Law enforcement’s involvement in providing these services, I think it was something that was needed,” said Plaza. “I pray every day that we continue to cause those effects of success for them.”
Plaza understands some may be hesitant to accept help from police or call the hotline, but he said the ultimate goal is to decrease overdoses and make the county safer.
“It’s an experience that I think none of us want to go through, but what I want people to understand, particularly family members and those who are suffering from substance abuse, is that we’re here by all means not only to enforce laws, but we’re also here to be compassionate and serve them as best we can,” he said.
You can reach the Operation Helping Hand Hotline by dialing 877-266-8222.
My nephew has been living on the streets of Camden for a year. An addict who has been needing for help for months. He’s been cleared for admittance to a rehab facility but has been waiting weeks for a bed.
Where can he get help ???
Hi Kirk, thank you for reaching out to us. Do you have some contact information that I can please pass on? Thank you — PIO Colby Gallagher
Yesterday I was surprised to see officers walking the beat in the area of Camden/Pennsauken. I ask if everything was ok in the neighborhood and they answer yes that this neighborhood is one of the quiet parts of the city where very little happens. They went on saying that they were ordered to walk in this area to keep the peace. Then early this morning the sound of police activity. Not the normal one car siren, it sounded like 4-6 cars. I started searching the web and I arrived on this website. I am amazed to see how much is happening in the city and the dedication of our police department to continue to help the residents of Camden and the many others that end up in Camden. The police is knocking on doors sharing information on how to get help for anyone facing addiction. This addiction situation has touched everyone in one way or another. Wether you are the person addicted, victim of an addict or the family of the addict trying to help that friend or family member. You may also be the officer call when the addiction made the person commit a crime or the EMT, nurse or doctor trying to save that life. We are all being affected by this. I’m proud of our police department for all that they are doing. Things are changing and we can not give up on our friends and family. Let’s see what is being offered that wasn’t there before and let’s get that information out to anyone that needs it. Thank You and stay safe.