For Immediate Release

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Methuen Police Department Addiction Specialists Become Full-Time Employees

METHUEN — Chief Joseph Solomon is pleased to announce that the Methuen Police Department’s two community engagement specialists, Jennifer Burns and Jacquelyn Ingersoll, will now work full-time in order to provide more comprehensive support to those suffering from addiction.

The Department is now able to fund the full-time schedules of these two employees after the Methuen City Council approved a police budget of more than $12 million — approximately an 8 percent increase from its current allowance — during budget votes on Tuesday, June 21.

Burns and Ingersoll have worked for the Methuen Police Department since October 2015, when the department launched its C.A.R.E.S. (Community Addiction Resource Engagement Services) Initiative.

The C.A.R.E.S Initiative aims to reach out to high-risk populations in the community. The community engagement specialists are trained to educate diverse populations on the consequences of drug use, and notify residents that they can obtain resources from the Methuen Police Department and other organizations if they suffer from addiction.

“Jennifer and Jacquelyn have been working 21 hours per week since last October. However, it can take more than six hours to help just one person gain admission to a rehab facility, so it became clear that their hours needed to be expanded if we wanted to maximize their potential,” Chief Solomon said. “We are so grateful to be able to have them here in a full-time capacity to continue the amazing work they do.”

Between October 2015 to May 2016, Burns and Ingersoll have assisted 385 individuals and family members in exploring the different resources available to those suffering from drug addiction.

The two specialists also emphasize the importance of awareness surrounding drug addiction, especially for the families and friends of those suffering from an addiction. To satisfy this need, Burns and Ingersoll have started organizing educational workshops in the community and providing resources for the recovery process.

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