From a safe passage flyer:

SAFE PASSAGE PROGRAM
Associated with the Taylorville Police Department
108 W Vine Street
Taylorville, Il 62568

Are you addicted to Drugs or Alcohol? Do you know someone who is? It’s time to get Help.

The Safe Passage Program can help save lives.

Christian County Judge Brad Paisley began this program in Christian County, after realizing that there has to be more than to just putting these people in handcuffs. This is a disease and needs attention. The program was created in Massachusetts. In 2015, the City of Dixon, Il Police Department started the program. Since then the City of Dixon has helped over 500 seek treatment.

Taylorville began the program July 1, 2019 and is going strong. Every day calls are received and area residents are helped. The procedure is quite simple.

The Addict or Alcoholic will come to the Taylorville Police Department and ask for help. The Officer will get in touch with our Coordinator, Denise Evans. Denise will greet them. The meeting is completely confidential, and the client is made comfortable; they will not be judged at all. After a short assessment, a facility is found and a Volunteer Driver through the program will transport the client. The program has partnered with the treatment facilities around Central Illinois to ensure the deserved treatment as soon as a few hours. Upon release from the program, the client can attend outpatient individual or group therapy sessions. We are here to help with the steps toward recovery.

Drugs and drug paraphernalia can also be brought to the office to be disposed of. You will not be arrested. You will not be charged with a crime. You will be directed to treatment.

The success rate for this area is approximately 40% over the past year. We have helped over 100 clients this year. This percentage is great, since addiction is such a terrible disease to overcome. This program helps reduce crime and make the City a safe place. The best part of this program is that it saves lives and brings families back together.

“We’re changing the way law enforcement views addiction—to see it as a disease, not a crime.”

Call Safe Passage Coordinator: Denise Evans @ 217-777-0080 or 217-638-3247

Call TPD @ 217-824-2211 ask for Chief Wheeler