KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Police Service says they will review their decision to keep Naloxone out of the hands of front line officers. “I am supportive of the Province’s decision to amend the legislation and that will be one factor in our review.” Chief Mark Mitchell told Kawartha 411.
Naloxone and Narcan are life saving drugs that reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, giving emergency services time to get the vitcim to hospital. Kawartha Lakes Police Service had opted not to arm front line officers with Naloxone. One of the reasons given at the time was legislation requiring the Provinces Special Investigations Unit to investigate police any time the drug was used unsuccessfully.
Former Chief John Hagarty told the Police Services Board last December that SUI investigations are cumbersome to all involved. “There are some liabilities you need to be aware of.” Hagarty explained to the board. “SUI investigations come with increase costs to the police service.”
Some local officers have been issued Naloxone to protect them during specific types of investigations. “We have done a naloxone issue, partially at least, in our identification area, in our sergeants office, in criminal investigations, if they are going in to do a search warrant they will have naloxone wth them,” Hagarty explained in December 2017. “Mainly in case there is cross contamination if they (the officers) are coming into contact with a drug that Naloxone will assist with.”
Local officers have also been given masks, gloves to prevent inhalation or contact with the deadly drugs as well as additional training on holding them. At that time Hagarty thought equipping front line officers with Naloxone could also blur the lines between police and paramedics.
New Chief Mark Mitchell says they will review the decision in 2019. “In our strategic plan, we have added a review to our current naloxone (narcan) rollout in 2019.” Mitchel told Kawartha 411 on Tuesday night. “Currently, our supervisors have access to Narcan and have been trained in its use.”
Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Brock MPP Laurie Scott says “Opioid overdoses are a serious problem in our community and across the province. Our Government has taken decisive action to address this growing issue by empowering police officers to save the lives of overdose sufferers, without the fear of a criminal investigation.” Scott announced on Facebook. “We have removed the requirement for a Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigation every time police officer administers naloxone during an overdose that results in death or serious injury. This positive change will support our police officers and help prevent overdose deaths.”
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police conducted a study of 35 police services and found that naloxone kits were used 45 times between January and December 2017. 43 people were successfully revived from overdoses.
Waterloo Regional Police say Naloxone has been used six times on its officers and 17 times on members of the public who were believed to be in contact with fentanyl.
But some large police services are refusing to ask officers to administer the drug to the public as well. Hamilton Police say they have studied the issue and feel paramedics are better equipped to administer Naloxone to the public. They also cite the liability for officers.
Front Line officers with The Kawartha Lakes OPP have been issued Naloxone.
