Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards has announced the establishment of Operation Angel, a program where individuals suffering from addictions can turn to local law enforcement for help in getting to rehab. It’s called Operation Angel, and Edwards said the program isn’t just limited to his agency.
“You can contact any of the local police departments as well within Tangipahoa Parish. Tell them you are an addict and you are at the point where you want treatment and you are ready to go right away,” said Edwards.
For those that might be paranoid that it could be a trap, Edwards said part of the program is working with the permission of the DA’s office, and those in need of help need not fear legal ramifications.
“If an addict comes in and says they want help, whatever paraphernalia they may have on them, whatever drugs they may have on them, they can voluntarily surrender that to the law enforcement agency. They will not be charged with a crime,” said Edwards.
The announcement of the program’s launch officially took place at 10am this morning at a press conference, but Edwards says they had someone reach out for help just before it got started.
“We already have one that told us that they want to go and we’re in the process of taking them and getting them there,” said Edwards
Edwards said all of this is done by the faith-based community at no charge to the individual.
