The Taylorville Police Department and the Safe Passage Program have announced the approval of their third consecutive yearly grant that provides funds to operate Safe Passage. This is a rehabilitation-based program that helps drug offenders before serving a sentence. The grant comes from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. Taylorville Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler states, “The results are black and white. It lowers crime, cleans your city, saves lives, and builds strong relationships with our citizens.”

The resources Safe Passage provides would not be accessible without the diligent work of Denise Evans and Debbie Prince, Coordinators for Safe Passage. The personal care each coordinator provides ensures addicts that they are in good hands and are on the road to recovery.

Upon arrival at the Taylorville Police Station, where Safe Passage is located, an addict will not be charged when divulging information about their drug usage. Transportation, salaries, and all other costs associated with Safe Passage will be covered with the state grant.

Debbie Prince, a Coordinator with Safe Passage has been making visits to the Taylorville Correctional Center. Upon request from an attorney, Safe Passage’s involvement is extreme, leaving the addict with nothing to question when it comes to the logistics of their journey back to sobriety. Prince includes that Safe Passage will find a rehab center that is available and even drive them there.

Outreach for Safe Passage has been the only issue. Evans wants members of the public that are struggling with addiction to know that have a safe space with Safe Passage. Safe Passage will use the start of the 2023-2024 school year to spread the Safe Passage message to the impressionable and influential youth of Taylorville by providing information to students.

Completing drug court prior to one's prison sentence will grant that addict another appearance in front of the judge for re-sentencing. Addicts who are able to demonstrate their rehabilitation through their graduation will be able to show the court they are less likely to re-offend.

The third grant for Safe Passage came into effect on June 30th, 2023, and will be good through June 30th, 2024. Taylorville is one of the only cities in Illinois that has connected their police department to Safe Passage and the community has seen the positive results that could motivate others to do the same.

Denise Evans and Debbie Prince appeared on the WTIM Morning Show as guests.