Local law enforcement, VP Pence meet to discuss battling the opioid crisis

WASHINGTON — Members of law enforcement from New England spent the day in Washington meeting with Vice President Mike Pence, focusing on opioids and what the White House is doing to deal with the issue.

"We are committed to put drug dealers out of business and truly make America safe," said Pence.

The group of visitors included officers from Boston and beyond. The vice president laid out the role law enforcement should play. The Trump Administration has largely been focused on prevention programs and freeing up resources for treatment.

"We're here to learn and we're here to educate and also, hopefully, grab some funds at the end. We understand there's going to be a big push toward the enforcement side. We truly believe it's multiple facets," said Methuen Police Chief Joe Solomon.

Specifically, Solomon hopes for more funding for drug treatment programs.

Also in attendance was Allie Hunter-McDade who runs a program in Boston that works with hundreds of police agencies nationwide to find solutions for addicts.

Solutions that don't include arresting people.

"Expanded treatment capacity would be huge of course, someone walks into a police station or they're following after an overdose they need to connect that person to evidence-based treatment when they're ready so we'd love to see treatment capacity expand," said Hunter-McDade.

Vice President Pence also made mention of the need for a border wall to help curb the opioid crisis. It was followed by applause from many in the room.

Cox Media Group