OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) – People who are seeking help for drug addictions can often avoid getting help out of fear of being arrested, but Oshkosh Police have a program that aims to clear the air.
The Law Enforcement Addiction Assistance Program, or ‘L.E.E.A.P.’, works to help people with substance use disorders get the help they need.
“The program was created to help individuals who have substance use disorders seek help from law enforcement without fear of being arrested and prosecuted,” said Oshkosh Police information officer Kate Mann. “We hope that this program helps improve the quality of life for program participants and their families while also preventing future crimes and overdose deaths associated with drug addiction.”
Eligibility for the program includes residents of Oshkosh and also those that are currently attending school in Oshkosh, and in some circumstances, residents from other jurisdictions within Winnebago County.
“we really wanted to reach out to our community and want our citizens to feel comfortable and safe coming to law enforcement when they feel like they need help dealing with drug or substance addiction,” Mann told WTAQ News. “We wanted to be that starting point for individuals. They can come to us and then we can hook them up with a recovery coach and make sure that they’re aware of all the resources that are available to them.”
Anyone interested in ‘L.E.E.A.P.’ should contact the Oshkosh Police Department at (920) 236-5700. Officers will meet with individuals and connect them to Unity Recovery Services.
