Much like the help a sober sponsor provides for alcoholics in 12-step programs, the peer recovery coaches may be former addicts, Olsen said, in addition to having whatever formal training the program may require. They’ll “help provide recovery support,” she said, at whatever hour that may be needed — including, for example, at 2 a.m., when an addict is picked up by police but the program’s assessment offices are closed.

Police will monitor participants for 12 months, with their infractions wiped clean without ever facing a judge if they comply with all requirements and don’t re-offend. Police also expect to see a significant reduction in property crimes as a result of helping more addicts heal.

Officials will look for ‘windows of opportunity’

Police officers will approach addicts about enrolling in treatment, often right after reviving them from overdoses or apprehending them for property crimes or prostitution.

“There’s a window of opportunity,” Nelson said, “once someone has overdosed or been caught in the act of a crime that we’ve been missing out on, as far as their desire (at that moment) to be involved in treatment.”