What are some success stories of law enforcement overdose reversal programs?

    Below are a few example law enforcement agencies that have overdose response programs:

    Quincy, MA, Police Department

    The Quincy, MA, Police Department (QPD) launched its law enforcement overdose reversal program in 2010. Created in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, this initiative consisted of training patrol officers how to recognize and reverse opioid overdoses, and equipping them with naloxone. As of October 2015, QPD officers have reversed over 436 opioid overdoses. This program has been widely recognized for its contribution to the fight against the overdose epidemic, and has served as a model for a growing number of law enforcement overdose reversal initiatives across the United States.

    Suffolk County (NY) Police Department

    Example: In May 2012, the Suffolk County (NY) Police Department began a Narcan Pilot program in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health, initially training 400 officers in several precincts. In the first five months there were 32 opioid overdose (OOD) reversals. Because of this unanticipated success, the Narcan program was quickly expanded to the entire patrol and support divisions. As of October 2015, more than 1,300 officers are certified and there have been 390 successful OOD reversals. In April 2014, the New York State Attorney General, Eric T. Schneiderman, recognized the outstanding success of the Suffolk County Police Narcan Program, which he used as a model for implementation to all law enforcement agencies in the state of New York, an effort currently funded by his office.

    Lummi Nation Police Department (WA)

    In response to the increase in the number of reported overdose deaths on tribal lands and 20-minute ambulance response times, the Lummi Nation Police Department (WA) requested permission to participate in the overdose prevention program sponsored by the Lummi Nation Tribe. The program trained community members to use naloxone as well as 20 officers in the department and command staff. In the first six weeks of the program, Lummi officers successfully reversed three overdoses. In addition to training the remaining Lummi officers, the Lummi Nation Police Department training is growing to encompass Lummi Housing Security and neighboring First Nations police agencies.

    Resources: 

    Law Enforcement and Naloxone Utilization in the United States

    Date: 
    Jun, 2015
    Contributor: 
    North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition
    Resource Type: 
    Resource Document

    The document is a presentation the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition gave to the Food and Drug Administration and shares information about U.S. law enforcement naloxone programs; North Carolina law enforcement naloxone programs and their attitudes toward carrying naloxone; EMS and law enforcement cooperation to decrease overdose mortality; implementation of naloxone programs; and more.

    Lieutenant Detective Pat Glynn: Saving Lives with Narcan

    Date: 
    Jun, 2012
    Contributor: 
    North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition
    Resource Type: 
    Video

    Lieutenant Detective Pat Glynn, Commander of the Special Investigations/Narcotics Unit of the Quincy, MA, Police Department, shares some impressive results where opioid overdose deaths have been greatly reduced by officers carrying naloxone, or Narcan. This video was recorded at the Law Enforcement Safety and Drug Policy Summit, coordinated by the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition, June 12, 2012, in Raleigh, NC.

    New York Department of Criminal Justice Services Officer Interview

    Date: 
    May, 2014
    Contributor: 
    New York State Division of Criminal Justice Service
    Resource Type: 
    Video

    New York Police Department (NYPD) Officers speaking of their experience using and administering naloxone to prevent fatal opioid overdoses. Film by Joshua Vinehout, NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.

    Ocean County, NJ, Police Get Drug Overdose Antidote

    Date: 
    Feb, 2014
    Contributor: 
    NJTV News
    Resource Type: 
    Video

     

    Ocean County police officers learned how to administer the medication naloxone to temporarily reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose. Video courtesy of NJTV news and the Ocean County, NJ, Prosecutor's Office.