by: Sean McDowell

LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — Police crisis intervention officers in Lee’s Summit are promoting a program that offers hope for drug addicts seeking help.

A unique approach to community service offers addiction treatment instead of heavy penalties.

Help is available for those who seek it, according to the Lee’s Summit Police Department’s Safe Passage program. Since 2018, 130 people have participated in this system. Anyone who’s battling the grip of addiction can reach out to a police officer or call 911 to request treatment. That includes people who are in possession of drugs and those who are under arrest.

“All you have to say is, ‘I want safe passage,’” LSPD Officer Michael Isberg said on Thursday.

Ofc. Isberg points out that police are accustomed to seeing a connection between drug addiction and rising crime levels. This program offers addicts a means of seeking treatment without penalty under the law for drug-related charges.

“If these people are coming forward for help, and they want a helping hand, we need to give them a hand up. The citizens of Lee’s Summit have been 100 percent behind it. Let’s help them out,” Ofc.

Isberg said.Lee’s Summit Police will still hold participants responsible for outstanding arrest warrants, and any illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia will be taken away and destroyed. Ofc. Isberg said only 12 people took advantage of this program in 2023, and enrollment boosted to 29 participants in 2024.

LSPD leaders know there are others who could benefit from this program, and they’d like to see enrollment hop to 70 for this year.

“I wish other police departments would take their lead,” Emily Hage, President and CEO at First Call, said.

First Call, which has been active in the metro since 1958, actively helps addicts and alcoholics find treatment. Hage and her staff see powerful addictions cross the line into various legal concerns.

“Making sure there is no additional barrier for that person, I think, is a really powerful message around stigma and saying, we know this is happening. We know you’re in trouble. Let’s take the first step to try to get better,” Hage said.

LSPD is said to be the first law enforcement agency in the metro using this program; however, Officer Isberg says at least two others are reaching out to learn about Safe Passage’s effectiveness in helping fight drug-related problems.

Lee’s Summit Police can be reached at (816) 969-7390. First Call counselors are available at (816) 361-5900.