Hudson Valley's "Hope Not Handcuffs" program has a new director.

Chief Paul Rickard served as chief at the Town of Mount Hope Police Department for 12 years prior to becoming the director.

This program brings law enforcement and community organizations together to find viable treatment options for individuals' dependency on drugs and alcohol.

Their services are available within 60 police departments throughout the Hudson Valley area, and they have served over 800 participants to date.