E48 - Aired 02-27-23 Michael Botieri

E48 - Aired 02-27-23 Michael Botieri

Imagine retiring from a high-stakes career only to jump back into the fray to help those struggling with addiction and mental health. That's exactly what retired Plymouth Police Chief Michael Botieri did. In this episode of 'Courage to Hope', Tony Lagreca sits down with Botieri to discuss his mission to assist individuals suffering from substance use and mental health disorders. Drawing from years of experience, Botieri sheds light on how policing has evolved to better respond to overdoses and crises.

He talks about the success of community-led initiatives that engage public safety, public health, and the community at large. One of the standout topics is the quick response team approach, which has been pivotal in preventing and intervening in crisis situations. Botieri also delves into harm reduction strategies, the regulation and management of prescription drugs, and the importance of police training advancements. He emphasizes that arresting individuals isn't the solution; connecting them to services and resources is key.

'We're not going to arrest our way out of solving this problem in any way,' he states. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of law enforcement, mental health, and addiction recovery.