The role of law enforcement officers in responding to the opioid epidemic: A qualitative assessment

Abstract

Background: Opioid-related overdose deaths continue to rise with the ongoing opioid epidemic. In response, changes in the role of law enforcement officers have included being trained to administer naloxone to reverse overdoses and offering navigation and referrals to substance use treatment. Methods: This secondary data analysis includes qualitative data from law enforcement officers collected as part of a mixed-methods needs assessment from one Kentucky county. Law enforcement officers (n = 151) responded to a confidential, online survey using Qualtrics and a subsample also completed a qualitative interview (n = 6). Open-ended questions in the online survey and interviews included how the opioid epidemic has affected the individual’s profession, specifically their role in reversing overdoses and providing referrals to individuals who misuse opioids. Results: Law enforcement officers surveyed indicated that they have expanded their professional roles to include providing naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses and referrals. While their specific roles and duties have changed to include naloxone administration to reverse opioid overdoses and providing referrals, officers felt that this was just part of their job in responding to the needs of the community. Officers reported that they have learned how to use (99%) and carry naloxone (87%) to reverse opioid related overdoses. The majority (92%) reported providing referrals (e.g., treatment and harm reduction resources) to individuals who misuse opioids. Conclusions: The opioid epidemic has changed the roles of law enforcement officers, including providing naloxone to reverse overdoses and referrals for treatment. Future research should continue to explore how substance misuse in the community changes the roles of law enforcement officers and how to best train and support officers as their roles evolve in response to these changes.

Keywords:

• Law enforcement
• first responder
• opioid epidemic
• qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

EP, JMW, and MS designed and conducted the research. EP and MT conducted the data analysis and prepared the initial draft of the manuscript. All authors contributed to editing the manuscript and approved the final version.

Additional information

Funding

This research and the preparation of this manuscript were supported by a contract with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government Department of Social Services and a training grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) T32DA035200.