TUCSON, Ariz. - The Tucson Police Department started its deflection program back in 2018, and with the help of peer support specialists with CODAC the program continues to thrive.
There are six Tucson Police Department officers who work on the mental health unit and work alongside four peer support specialists as part of the deflection program.
Peer support specialists go out into the field with officers, many times bridging the gap between those they want to help and law enforcement.
When the deflection program first began, there were only two peer support specialists, but as the program grew, so did the number of peer supporters.
Bryanda Acuna and Brendan Bond are just two of those peer supporters.
All of the peer supporters have gone through some kind of recovery themselves, something Brendan Bond told KGUN9 really helps him connect to people out in the community who are struggling with addiction.
"I used heroin, I’m a recovering heroin addict. I can kind of bridge the gap sometimes when people are trying to find reasons not to go with them or I can give it some kind of legitimacy because they think they are being tricked kind of when a cop walks up and tells them they want to help them instead of arrest them," said Bond.
Bond said he struggled with a heroin addiction for 10 years, a meth addiction for three, he got several felonies but he turned his life around with the help of a probation officer and has now been clean for five years.
For Bryanda Acuna, the struggle was that of a different kind.
"Personally I've been through my own mental health recovery, i was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and so I had a really rough year. I felt like I was one of those people who needed help as well," said Acuna.
If you or anyone you know needs help with overcoming addiction, you can reach out to CODAC at (520) 327-4505.
