The vehicle is utilized at community engagement opportunities to educate and spread awareness about the opioid crisis in Bergen County. The vehicle is stocked with materials from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Care Plus New Jersey, Bergen County Department of Health, Children’s Aid and Family Services, and Hope and Healing After an Addiction Death to offer guidance to anyone along the spectrum of recovery.
MEDICAL DROP BOX
The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has installed a Medicine Drop Box in the entranceway of Two Bergen County Plaza to offer residents a convenient method to dispose of medication that is expired or no longer wanted. Our procedure is not only best for the environment, but it also prevents opioid-based medication from falling into the wrong hands.
JAIL INITIATIVE
The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has the unique situation of interfacing with all individuals who have been arrested for an opioid related crime and have been remanded to the Bergen County Jail after being placed on a criminal arrest warrant. As a result of bail reform, it is common for these individuals to remain detained up to 48 hours. During this brief period of detention, the BCSO has partnered with the Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources to deploy their Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) who have poignant conversations encouraging addicts to seek treatment options. The mission is to avoid individuals who may be in withdrawal and struggling with an addiction from returning to the community without any support or strategy.