#United States #Boston #addiction recovery #PAARI #Deflection Certification

PAARI Launches First National Certification Program for Deflection and Diversion

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative (PAARI) announced the launch of the nation’s first certification program focused on deflection and diversion for public safety departments. This innovative program is designed to equip law enforcement with the necessary skills and strategies to guide individuals toward treatment rather than incarceration, a move that responds to the pressing needs expressed by police leaders across the country.

Bridging the Gap in Training

Zoe Grover, the Executive Director of PAARI, emphasized the urgency of this program. According to Grover, police departments have voiced their desire to help individuals in crisis but often lack the formal training required for effective implementation. The new certification program aims to fill this gap, providing valuable resources and knowledge to officers and command staff. Grover remarked, "We are bridging that gap by providing the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to sustain these programs and help our neighbors in crisis."

The certification program comprises three comprehensive courses:
1. Addiction 101 for First Responders
2. The Trauma-Addiction Connection for First Responders
3. Deflection and Diversion Foundations for First Responders

These training modules are structured to enhance the understanding of addiction and its connection to trauma, thereby equipping officers with the tools to make informed decisions when faced with individuals struggling with substance use.

Insights from Experienced Leaders

Brittney Garrett, PAARI's Senior Director of Public Safety and co-author of the new training, shared her insights, recalling her challenges when launching Kentucky's first Angel Program in 2016. She stated, "I know firsthand the challenges of building a deflection pathway from the ground up without a formal playbook. The PAARI's Deflection Certification program is exactly the resource I wish I had ten years ago." She highlighted how the program provides actionable and expert-led guidance that empowers law enforcement to transform their compassionate intentions into sustainable outcomes that save lives.

Flexible Learning for All Sizes of Departments

The certification courses are designed to be flexible, allowing participants to engage in individual courses for certificates or complete all three to obtain the Essentials in Deflection and Diversion Certification. This adaptability is essential, as it caters to the differing needs of police departments of various sizes.

As Elizabeth Leingang, the project manager and course designer stated, "We have built a program based on the needs of our partners, following instructional design best practices." The focus is on maximizing retention and engagement throughout the training. Ultimately, the objective is for the knowledge gained in the classroom to translate into meaningful change in the field, thereby saving lives.

A Mission of Support and Guidance

PAARI operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting first responders in creating non-arrest pathways to treatment and recovery. As a key player in the community policing movement, PAARI provides extensive technical assistance, strategic guidance, and resource training to over 800 police departments across 46 states. Their efforts have significantly contributed to the evolving approach to public safety, where emphasizing recovery over punishment is becoming increasingly prioritized.

For law enforcement agencies interested in enhancing their approach to addiction-related issues, PAARI’s training programs offer a valuable opportunity to learn and implement effective deflection strategies. Officers are encouraged to visit paariusa.org for more information on enrollment and the various training opportunities available. By embracing this new certification, public safety departments can look forward to not only addressing addiction more effectively but also fostering a healthier community overall.