WORCESTER—The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) has received top recognition for its innovative approach to combating substance use disorders. At the 2024 Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) Law Enforcement & Corrections Awards Ceremony, held on November 19 in the Great Hall of the State House, the WCSO’s Substance Treatment Opportunity Program (S.T.O.P.) was named Program of the Year.
The S.T.O.P. program takes a personalized, evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders, combining rehabilitation, therapeutic activities, and re-entry support services. Designed to reduce recidivism, the program operates in a state-of-the-art rehabilitation unit, providing participants with a safe and supportive environment free from the challenges of general population incarceration.
Participants, who commit to either a three- or six-month program, receive targeted treatment addressing the root causes of addiction and co-occurring disorders. The initiative also incorporates vocational training, specialized classes, and comprehensive re-entry planning—resources rarely seen in correctional facilities nationwide.
“The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has created a model approach for dealing with substance use disorder in a correctional setting,” Sheriff Lew Evangelidis said in an announcement. “The staff of the program works hard to make this program successful. Being recognized at the State House is a well-deserved honor.”
Sheriff Evangelidis, who oversees the largest county by area in Massachusetts, emphasized the importance of coupling rehabilitation with public safety. Since taking office in 2011, he has championed efforts to address substance abuse in corrections, presenting S.T.O.P.’s success at national law enforcement and human services conferences.
According to the sheriff’s office, the S.T.O.P. program has become a model for similar initiatives across the country, showcasing how corrections can prioritize recovery alongside justice.
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