District Attorney Warren Montgomery was among the public officials who stood with Covington Police Chief Tim Lentz Monday to support his announcement of Operation Angel, a new program that will enable addicts to seek help from law enforcement officers without the fear of arrest. An addict simply can appear at the police department, surrender any drugs or paraphernalia, and instead of being arrested, he or she will be brought to a Lacombe ranch that is operated by the New Orleans Mission, which provides round-the-clock treatment for people struggling with alcohol or drug addiction.
“This press conference would not have taken place two years ago,” Montgomery said. “It represents a tipping point in how our community is addressing drug addiction in a positive manner. Operation Angel is just one part of a mosaic that is treatin
g this problem in our community in a more humane, cost-effective and smart manner.”