To help people struggling with addiction and reduce drug demand, the Michigan State Police has joined almost 200 police departments nationwide in the Angel Program, a pre-arrest diversion program. The program allows someone with a drug addiction to walk into a state police post to seek help for their addiction, without the fear of arrest or investigation.

The MSP has expanded the program to the Wayland Post and is recruiting volunteers who wish to provide support to participants, including transportation to treatment.

Interested volunteers must complete an application, available at the post, have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and live within one hour of the post, among other requirements. Volunteers receive training prior to any assignments, and will be reimbursed for mileage and meals. For more about the program or becoming an Angel Volunteer, contact the Wayland Post at (269) 792-2213.

The Angel Program is supported by the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative. It began in Gloucester, Mass. in 2015. The state police plan to continue expansion of the program across the state in 2017.