Lucas County Sheriff's Office DART Unit

In July 2014, Ohio Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp initiated the most unique and innovative unit in the United States, known as the D.A.R.T. Unit; with the support of Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine. This was in response to the public health crisis and epidemic of opioid overdoses, deaths, and addiction throughout the communities in Lucas County. The primary objective of the D.A.R.T. unit is to provide victims of opioid overdoses or the disease of addiction with linkage to a variety of therapeutic recovery programs within the local area, including detoxification. This is done without compromising the trust and identities of individuals being assisted. The unit also recognizes the importance of the communities safety, and provide invaluable intelligence information to many jurisdictions without compromising our clients privacy. To date, the D.A.R.T. Unit has engaged over 1900 members of the community, with 73% of those subjects entering detoxification and/or recovery programs. This success was increased (80% +) when officers provided individuals with a sober living environment.

The Drug Abuse Response Team is a multi-jurisdictional unit that consists of Lucas County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Robert Chromik overseeing officers from the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Police Department, Oregon Police Department, Mercy St. Vincent’s Public Safety Office, The University Of Toledo, Waterville Township Police Department, The Lucas County Public Library, Metro Parks, and two counselors. The unit is also assisted by the Springfield Township Fire Department. In 2017 the lieutenant added caseworks and counselors to the unit from treatment organizations like The Zepf Center, New Concepts, Unison, A Renewed Mind, and AMAL to further provide direct linkage to individuals at the time of overdoses or seeking assistance with opioid abuse. The unit also collaboratively works with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, The Lucas County Commissioners Office, The Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Services board, religious organizations, private/public business entities, law enforcement, medical organizations, amazing community volunteers, Racing For Recovery, and Team Recovery to provide education and support.

The unit not only provides services to subjects seeking help for the disease of addiction, but they tirelessly volunteer hours of their own time going out into the community and participate in educational forums and helping families.

The officers salaries/benefits are paid for by their specific jurisdiction. The operating costs are solely supported through grants, and private donors. This support provides essential equipment and supplies to assist our amazing community!