Sheriff: Prevention, enforcement, recovery is blueprint for combating opioids in Bucks County

(The following information was provided by the Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harran. The views expressed are his own and not representative of Access Network.)

The opioid crisis continues to cast a long shadow across communities nationwide, and Bucks County, sadly, is no exception. The struggle persists across Pennsylvania, where the crisis claims 12 lives every single day. Let's be clear about the primary driver of these tragedies: opioids are the culprit in over 8 out of 10 overdose deaths, and fentanyl is now involved in more than 3 out of every 4 of them.

Here in Bucks County, this is not just a statewide issue; it's a local tragedy. Provisional data for 2024 shows our community lost approximately 175 of our neighbors, friends, and family members to opioid overdoses. This stark figure serves as a sobering reminder of the immediate and ongoing challenge we confront daily. As your Sheriff and a law enforcement professional for nearly 40 years, I understand that confronting this epidemic requires more than just traditional law enforcement; it demands a comprehensive, compassionate, and collaborative strategy rooted in prevention, vigorous enforcement, and robust support for recovery.

Local law enforcement is on the front lines of this fight, but we recognize that we cannot arrest our way out of addiction. That’s why the approach is multi-faceted, focusing on intercepting the supply of illicit drugs, empowering our community with life-saving tools, and fostering pathways to long-term recovery.

Promoting Education, Prevention & Harm Reduction

One of the most immediate and impactful aspects of our strategy is education and prevention. Our police and deputies engage with residents, schools, and community groups to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse, the prevalence of fentanyl, and the critical importance of safe drug disposal. We regularly participate in drug take-back events, contributing to the over 201,331 pounds of medication collected in Bucks County since 2010. These vital collection efforts continued robustly through 2024, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to ensuring unused and expired medications don’t fall into the wrong hands and contribute to the cycle of addiction.

This also includes ensuring officers are equipped to save lives. Every deputy in the Bucks County Sheriff’s Office is trained in the administration of Naloxone (Narcan), the opioid overdose reversal medication. This isn't just about carrying a kit; it's about a fundamental shift in perspective. We understand that addiction is an illness, not a moral failing, and our first priority in an overdose situation is to preserve life. We work closely with the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission (BCDAC) and other community partners to expand access to Narcan across the county. BCDAC has been instrumental in funding the purchase, dissemination, and training of Narcan for law enforcement, schools, professionals, and families. Since 2015, there have been over 1,520 police saves reported in Bucks County due to the administration of Narcan, with these life-saving interventions continuing consistently throughout 2024 and into the current year.

Vigorous Enforcement

Simultaneously, we must maintain a steadfast commitment to enforcement. Law enforcement agencies are dedicated to disrupting the flow of illicit drugs into our communities and holding accountable those who peddle misery. Bucks County, unfortunately, sees a significant number of drug-related crimes, particularly involving street-level illegal substances like heroin, often laced with deadly fentanyl.

Police across the county works tirelessly, often in collaboration with state agencies, to target manufacturers, traffickers, and dealers. When an individual is found with quantities of drugs far exceeding personal use, our focus shifts to dismantling the supply chains that prey on vulnerable individuals. This includes vigorous pursuit of cases where drug sales lead to overdose deaths, holding those responsible accountable for the tragic loss of life.

Supporting Recovery

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, is our commitment to recovery. We recognize that enforcement without a pathway to recovery is an incomplete solution. Throughout my career, I have worked to expand access to mental health and addiction services. During my time as Director of Public Safety in Bensalem, I initiated the Bensalem Police Assisting in Recovery program (BPAIR), which offered individuals struggling with substance use disorders treatment pathways instead of incarceration. Today, that program has been adopted county-wide and has expanded to 23 departments as Bucks County Police Assisting In Recovery (BPAIR), demonstrating its effectiveness and reach.

This includes partnering with organizations like the BCDAC to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction can access the treatment they need. The concept of "warm hand-offs" – connecting individuals who have experienced an overdose or been involved in a drug-related incident directly with recovery services – is a philosophy we wholeheartedly embrace. We believe in getting "ill persons trying to become well" the help they need, fostering hope and breaking the cycle of abuse.

Bucks County is fortunate to have a robust network of treatment providers, including inpatient detox, residential rehab, outpatient counseling, and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).

The opioid crisis is a complex public health challenge that requires an equally complex and coordinated response. As your Sheriff and a proud member of our Bucks County law enforcement community, know that our agencies will continue to fight this battle on all fronts – through proactive education, diligent enforcement, and unwavering support for recovery. By working together – law enforcement, healthcare providers, community organizations, and every resident – we can build a safer, healthier Bucks County, where hope triumphs over addiction.

Bucks Co. Sheriff Fred Harran