Red Deer RCMP laud success of opioid dependency program

Outreach by Red Deer RCMP’s unit is on foot, by an unmarked vehicle, and interacting with individuals when they are in a cell awaiting further processing.

Medication in the form of Suboxone and Sublocade can be administered by the teams if the person will take it voluntarily.

Since its start, the program has made nearly 2,500 referrals, making over 1,100 contacts with people in custody. Close to 140 people have accepted treatment.

The RCMP say their care and dignity-centred approach has allowed them to change the lives of many.

“We know addiction often fuels a cycle of criminality. By addressing addiction as a health issue while ensuring public safety, we’re seeing meaningful crime reduction. Individuals once frequently involved in police interactions are now accessing medical care, entering recovery, and stepping out of that cycle,” said Superintendent Holly Glassford.

“While accountability for criminal actions is necessary, we recognize that opioid addiction is part of larger social and health issue – a complex issue that requires long-term support. It is not something that we arrest our way out of, but we can be part of the solution. There are root causes to criminal behaviour, and while there are no simple solutions to address them all, there are many we can work towards that will mean tangible, positive change.”

RCMP clarify this program also has dedicated teams for the Grande Prairie area, but is funded across the province, and is available in jurisdictions with municipal police services, such as Lacombe, Calgary and Lethbridge.

It is also available throughout Alberta to anyone, even if they’re in their home. It can be accessed by calling 1-844-383-7688.

“Safer communities don’t happen by chance. They are built—together. And this program is proof of what’s possible when we work as one,” added Glassford.

In Red Deer, Cst. Tim Wood is one of the officers on the VODP unit.

With 18 years in law enforcement, including seven in Red Deer, and a background in drug investigations, Wood said during a news conference that it’s been gratifying to come at his role as an officer from a different angle.

“I’ve seen firsthand how opioid addiction can pull individuals into a painful cycle of criminality. However, I’ve also seen how compassion, timely treatment, and connection can break that same cycle,” he said.

“Through VODP, we’re able to meet people where they are—quite literally. Whether we’re patrolling on foot, in a cruiser, or even a UTV, we engage directly with vulnerable individuals in our community.”

Red Deer’s VODP chairs a quarterly committee called the Vulnerable Populations Working Group, which consists of several community partners from Turning Point to Safe Harbour, among others.

“This collaboration between Alberta’s Government, Recovery Alberta and the RCMP is a powerful example of how partnerships between health and public safety can change lives. The Virtual Opioid Dependency Program can be the first step in a person’s journey to recovery,” added Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Rick Wilson.

“By connecting people to treatment when and where they need it most, we are helping build more paths to recovery and to a healthier Alberta.”

More details are at vodp.ca.

by Josh Hall | @Vancan19

Red Deer RCMP laud success of opioid dependency program

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