WPD adds Addiction Response Officer

The Winchester Police Department (WPD) announced the addition of an Addiction Response Officer (ARO).

The Winchester City Council approved the addition of the ARO to the WPD on Feb. 15.

This officer will join the City’s Community Resource Team and work with public health and safety partners including the Department of Social Services, Fire and Rescue.

Valley Health and Brightview Recovery Services will also assist the officer.

Police Chief Amanda Behen requested such an officer to address the impacts of the national opioid crisis in the Winchester community.

Corporal Nathan Morris was selected as the response officer internally after serving 12 years in the police department and his experience with the Community Resources Team.

In his new role Morris will respond to incidents of opioid overdoses.

Morris will also work with those suffering to receive assistance and support.

He will also assist in the investigations regarding the trafficking and sale of illicit opioids.

Morris’s new position will be funded by the City’s allocation of Opioid Settlement awards and will not affect the General Fund Budget.

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