In the ongoing battle against substance abuse, effective partnerships have emerged as a cornerstone for success. The collaborative efforts of the New Jersey Transit Police Department (NJTPD) and the Newark Community Street Team – Overdose Response Team (NCST-ORT) provides a model designed to meet individuals struggling with substance use disorder where they are. This collaboration, rooted in meaningful engagement, care coordination, naloxone education, training, and partnerships, has proven to be instrumental in helping people who are impacted by drug use take steps toward a better quality of life.

Innovation Started with Outreach

NJ Transit and the NJTPD recognized a decade ago that homelessness is a complex challenge requiring a coordinated response between law enforcement, social services, and other agencies. NJTPD organized a specialized Outreach Unit to collaborate with government and nongovernmental social service providers to deliver effective outreach methods and compassionate enforcement to the unhoused community at NJ Transit transportation stations, terminals, and facilities.