Police, elected officials and people from the healthcare industry gathered in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Friday for a roundtable meeting on a new program in the city to fight drug addiction.
In the last year, the city of Gloucester has lost a dozen people to opioid addiction. but a new program aimed at saving lives and seems to making a difference.
More than two weeks ago, the city's police chief started the Angel Program, allowing addicts to avoid criminal penalties if they come to police seeking help and surrender drugs. They're then paired with volunteers who assist them through rehabilitation.
Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett has applauded Gloucester's efforts, but he has said his office and police have limited authority to promise people they won't be prosecuted for a crime, such as drug possession.
