Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) is taking a compassionate approach to combating substance use disorder with Project SAVE (Substance Abuse Victimization Effort), a program that connects residents with treatment, resources, and peer support.
Through Project SAVE, individuals and families can work with a dedicated SAVE Advocate, a trained counselor who helps connect people to recovery programs, navigate services, and access professional guidance. Anyone in need of assistance can reach the advocate directly by calling (856) 302-7051.
Recognizing the far-reaching impact of addiction, the program also offers a weekly SAVE Support Group for adults coping with loved ones struggling with substance use disorder. The group meets every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gloucester Township Police Department Family Resource Center, 1324 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood. For details, residents may contact GTPD’s licensed social worker at (856) 842-5553 or email FamilyResource@GTPolice.com.
The program was born from a desire to go further than traditional policing, according to Lt. Paul P. Fisher, commander for the Community Relations Bureau.
“We realized that law enforcement’s role in the arrest of illegal drug use, although it can be a large deterrent, many times did not stop the drug addiction epidemic,” he said. “If we wish to address the crime and the loss of life associated with drug abuse, we need a program that employs measures beyond arrest.
“Project SAVE focuses our efforts on suppression, prevention, and intervention.”
Lt. Jason Fretz, who oversees the SAVE program, explained how the advocate serves a unique role.
“The SAVE Advocate works closely with the Municipal Court, prosecutor, and police officers to identify individuals where substance abuse may be a factor,” he said. “Even if the charge isn’t directly drug-related, the advocate can connect defendants to treatment.”
The program has already received strong positive community support, according to police officials.
“It gives adults who are struggling with loved ones affected by addiction a safe space to share, learn strategies, and even grieve together,” Fisher said. “Some participants are parents or siblings of individuals battling addiction, while others have lost loved ones to overdose.”
Project SAVE aims to reduce repeat offenses and steer individuals toward recovery rather than jail, Fretz said.
“This program is unique because it starts at the point of contact with law enforcement,” he said. “From that first moment, whether it’s an arrest or a family seeking help, we connect them with recovery resources instead of relying only on criminal justice approaches.”
To build trust, police ensure many SAVE services take place off-site, away from the police department, at the Family Resource Center.
“This separation creates a safe and welcoming space where families feel comfortable seeking help,” Fretz said.
Ultimately, both officers said the program is about instilling hope.
“Our goal is that participants realize they are not going through this alone,” Fisher said. “We want families to know there are people who care, and that there are local services available to assist them. What we hope they take away is exactly that, ‘Hope for a better, more productive future.'”
For more information about Project SAVE, visit gtpolice.com/community-page/220.
