The Morris County Sheriff’s Office in Morristown opened its door Monday, April 29, as a drop-in center – a beacon of hope – for people who are struggling with drug addiction and need guidance and support in accessing help.

  Under the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI), launched April 3 by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, individuals seeking assistance for substance use dependency can walk into the Morris County Courthouse on Court Street in Morristown between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and state their request to a Sheriff’s Officer.

  In a compassionate and discreet way, individuals will be directed to a PAARI-trained Sheriff’s Officer who will screen them. Based upon the screening, individuals will be connected with peer recovery specialists from Daytop-NJ, who will meet with them to discuss treatment and resource options.

  PAARI is a non-incarceration program designed to involve law enforcement officers in assisting people struggling with what can be an overwhelming path to recovery.

  “The Morris County Sheriff’s Office is committed to a guardian role of supporting people caught in the destructive trap of addiction,” Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon said.