Norwood Police Department Releases Strategy for Combating Drug Abuse

The Norwood Police Department, led by Chief William G. Brooks III, this week released a 13-page strategy for combating the distribution and abuse of Heroin and prescription painkillers.

"Many communities in the United States struggle with issues related to drug
dependence," the document reads. "Over the past few years Norwood has experienced an upsurge in the abuse of heroin and prescription opioids. (Opioids are drugs that are usually prescribed to relieve pain, and include oxycodone, hydrocodone and fentanyl.)"

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center - which closed in June of this year - heroin and opioid abuse in New England is the region’s most significant drug threat.

"Many Norwood residents are aware of the problem," the strategy says. "The rise in heroin use, combined with the legalization of hypodermic syringes by the Massachusetts legislature in 2006, has resulted in increased disposal of needles in public places, which has in turn brought increased attention to the drug abuse
problem. Drug addiction fuels crime, endangers young people and those who are susceptible to addiction, and eats away at the fabric of a community."

The Norwood Police Department strategy includes steps to coordinate intelligence, work with local landlords and communicate with the community. It aslo includes the implementation of a Drug Intervention program whereby officers will directly approach addicts and offer them assistance in finding treatment.

"The technique can be particularly effective following the arrest of a dealer, when some addicts are temporarily left without a source," the document says.

Read the full strategy attached to this article and let us know your thoughts. How bad is the drug problem in Norwood? Do you think this will help the issue? Tell us in the comments!