TCPD, Sheriff’s Office Join Angel Program Offering Substance Abuse Assistance

The Traverse City Police Department and Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office have joined the Michigan State Police (MSP) Angel Program, allowing individuals struggling with a substance abuse disorder - including alcoholism - to walk into law enforcement agencies during business hours and receive assistance in finding treatment.

MSP and partnering law enforcement agencies work with community volunteer “Angels” to provide connections to substance abuse disorder treatment through public and private agencies. Individuals can call or walk into a participating law enforcement agency to access help from Angels, including assistance with intake and treatment placement processes. Program participants must not have active warrants or be registered as sex offenders.

MSP joined other police departments nationwide in 2016 to pilot the Angel program, becoming the first state-level law enforcement agency to offer the pre-arrest diversionary program. In 2017, MSP expanded the program to all 30 of its posts and several local law enforcement agencies across Michigan. The program has assisted more than 400 individuals to date.