Blue CARES – Next Step

Hello Police Chiefs and Officers,

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Blue CARES: Next Step (BCNS). This program has been developed in collaboration with the Berks County Office of the District Attorney (BCODA) and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General.  This program is an expansion of the current Blue CARES program. 

Thank you to the Blue CARES: Next Step participating police departments

• Muhlenburg
• Wyomissing
• Cumru
• West Reading
• Reading
• Spring Township

The goal of Blue CARES: Next Step is to assist individuals with stimulant or opioid misuse issues who are arrested to be referred to treatment as an alternative to the criminal justice system.

Blue CARES: Next Step is aligned with the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, a new statewide program that allows people to seek help for addiction through local law enforcement without the threat of arrest. Berks County’s program was highlighted by PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro in a news conference in April. Learn more.

How does Blue CARES: Next Step work?

Watch the video below to learn about the procedure and what cases may qualify for this program.

Request a link to view “Addiction 101” with Kevin Rudy, retired Police Officer, and Yvonne Stroman, COCA Community Programs Specialist.

Running time: 21 minutes.