EPISODE · Aug 12, 2025 · 9 MIN
Safe Passage: How a Small-Town Police Program Cut Crime by Over 50%
from America's News Hour · host Talk Media Network
From June 15th - America’s News Hour goes local with Taylorville, Illinois Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler and Denise Evans to spotlight one of the most successful community programs in the nation: Safe Passage. Launched a handful of years ago, this initiative helps people battling addiction get same-day access to treatment instead of facing arrest, breaking the cycle of crime and substance abuse. Chief Wheeler explains how the program’s compassionate approach has reduced crime in Taylorville by more than half, while Evans details the vital follow-up work that keeps participants on track after rehab. With over 1,100 people helped so far, Safe Passage is proof that community-based policing can save lives — and make neighborhoods safer.
What this episode covers
From June 15th - America’s News Hour goes local with Taylorville, Illinois Police Chief Dwayne Wheeler and Denise Evans to spotlight one of the most successful community programs in the nation: Safe Passage. Launched a handful of years ago, this initiative helps people battling addiction get same-day access to treatment instead of facing arrest, breaking the cycle of crime and substance abuse. Chief Wheeler explains how the program’s compassionate approach has reduced crime in Taylorville by more than half, while Evans details the vital follow-up work that keeps participants on track after rehab. With over 1,100 people helped so far, Safe Passage is proof that community-based policing can save lives — and make neighborhoods safer.
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Safe Passage: How a Small-Town Police Program Cut Crime by Over 50%
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