News Summary
The San Diego Police Department has unveiled an Intervention Services Team focused on aiding residents grappling with drug and alcohol addiction. This initiative encourages treatment over arrest, representing a pivotal change in the department’s approach. The team helps individuals who have faced significant legal issues, aiming to connect them with necessary resources. With success so far in linking numerous individuals to detox programs, the team endeavors to provide a supportive transition for those seeking recovery amidst challenges like service shortages.
San Diego, California – The San Diego Police Department has implemented a new Intervention Services Team aimed at assisting residents struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Launched over the past year, the unit is designed to prioritize treatment over traditional arrest methods, marking a significant shift in the department’s approach to handling substance abuse issues.
On a recent Tuesday morning, five officers from this team set out to locate a specific individual, hoping to persuade him to join a detox program. Their efforts, however, had an uncertain outcome, as there was no guarantee that the man they were searching for would agree to the initiative.
Team Structure and Approach
The Intervention Services Team bridges the gap between law enforcement and social work, helping those who struggle with addiction receive necessary treatment rather than facing the punitive measures often associated with criminal behaviors. Carlos Navarro, a 25-year veteran of the police force, explained that the focus has shifted from a punitive approach to one that emphasizes treatment options for those in need.
The team was created to serve individuals who may have experienced extensive legal troubles, with some having over 100 arrests and requiring frequent emergency services. The cost of these repeated interactions can be staggering, with one individual potentially costing taxpayers an estimated $250,000 in man-hours alone. This highlights the need for a more sustainable solution rather than addressing addiction solely through law enforcement.
Impact of Stricter Drug Laws
The sheriff’s office has reported that increased spending on incarceration linked to strict drug laws has hindered funding for essential infrastructure projects, making it crucial to explore alternative measures to assist those with substance use disorders. Building rapport with individuals facing addiction is often a slow and difficult process, underscoring the importance of the team’s mission.
Field Operations
The team’s initial outreach occurred at Chicano Park in the Barrio Logan neighborhood, where they anticipated finding the man based on previous interactions. The officers were dressed casually and in unmarked vehicles to create a less intimidating atmosphere. During their search, the team encountered various individuals needing immediate assistance, including a man trying to reach a nearby community resource fair and another person seeking help to sober up.
After receiving a tip regarding the location of their desired subject, the officers acted quickly to assist. They transported one man to the community resource fair and guided another to the McAlister Institute’s Recovery and Bridge Center for support.
Expanding Services
Initially, the Intervention Services Unit was operated by a single officer, David McGowan, who dedicated much of his time to responding to calls and transporting individuals to rehab facilities. Responding to the growing need for expansive intervention programs, the San Diego Police Department expanded the unit in September 2024 to a full team of five officers.
Thus far, this dedicated team has successfully connected at least 115 individuals to detox and treatment programs. However, the current state of detox services poses challenges as San Diego County reported a severe shortage of longer-term detox beds, with only 78 available to accept Medi-Cal insurance. This shortage leads to extended wait times for individuals seeking treatment, despite the increase in detox bed availability to around 100.
As the officers arrived at UC San Diego Health’s Hillcrest Medical Center to assist the identified man, they faced uncertainty about whether he would engage with them or if he had already left the facility. After waiting for approximately thirty minutes, a man eventually emerged from the hospital, expressing a willingness to enroll in a treatment program the following day but also requested a final drink before beginning his recovery journey.
Commitment to Support
The officers offered to meet him at the park the next day, despite the man’s previous broken promises about seeking help. They also assisted him in retrieving a shopping cart full of his belongings, demonstrating their commitment to supporting him through this transition.
Eventually, through a series of negotiations, the officers succeeded in persuading the man to enter their vehicle, and within just an hour and a half, they effectively facilitated his entry into a detox program. With the combined efforts of the Intervention Services Team and the willingness of individuals to seek help, there is hope for a brighter future amid ongoing struggles with addiction in San Diego.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Union Tribune: Expanded A-Team for Serious Addiction Cases
- Wikipedia: Drug Addiction
- 10 News: San Diego Police Needs Volunteers for Crisis Intervention
- Google Search: San Diego drug intervention programs
- NBC San Diego: Need for Crisis Intervention Volunteers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Substance Use Disorder
- County News Center: Mobile Crisis Response Teams
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
