MOREHEAD, Ky. — For Kentuckians struggling with addiction, walking into a police station may seem like the last place they would seek help. The Kentucky State Police hopes to change that perception through its Angel Initiative, a statewide program designed to connect individuals battling substance use disorder with treatment—not jail.
The initiative allows anyone voluntarily seeking help for addiction to visit any Kentucky State Police post, including Post 8 in Morehead, and ask to participate in the program.
According to Kentucky State Police, the Angel Initiative has already helped connect 281 individuals with treatment resources across the Commonwealth.
How the program works
When someone arrives at a participating KSP post, they simply ask to participate in the Angel Initiative. They will be asked to provide identification and complete a brief intake process so an Angel Coordinator can determine the most appropriate treatment options.
Having health insurance information can be helpful but is not required, and many treatment facilities accept uninsured individuals.
If a participant voluntarily brings illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia with them while seeking treatment, they will not be charged, jailed, or investigated solely for coming forward through the Angel Initiative. The substances will be confiscated and destroyed as part of the process.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and individuals may discontinue the process at any time.
Who is not eligible?
The program does have several disqualifiers, including:
Individuals with outstanding arrest warrants or certain non-extraditable warrants from another jurisdiction.
Registered sex offenders.
Situations where law enforcement reasonably believes the participant poses a danger to others.
Unaccompanied minors.
The program is also not intended for individuals who are attempting to satisfy court-ordered treatment or sentencing requirements.
A focus on treatment
Kentucky State Police launched the Angel Initiative in 2016 with one primary goal: saving lives.
The program is built on the belief that addiction is a medical condition requiring treatment rather than punishment. While KSP continues to pursue those involved in trafficking illegal drugs, officials say they also want people struggling with addiction to know that help is available without fear of prosecution for seeking assistance.
Additional resources
In addition to visiting any Kentucky State Police post, Kentuckians can also access recovery resources through:
833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357), a statewide substance abuse call center staffed by specialists who can discuss treatment options.
FindHelpNowKY.org, which provides searchable information on treatment programs and recovery services throughout Kentucky.
Local access
Residents in Rowan County and surrounding communities can seek assistance through:
Kentucky State Police Post 8
Morehead, Kentucky
(606) 784-4127
Anyone seeking help can simply walk into the post and request participation in the Angel Initiative.
Recovery is a process, and for many, taking that first step can be the hardest. Kentucky State Police hopes this program makes that step a little easier for those ready to begin their journey toward recovery.