Due to the increase in opioid abuse and overdoses in the past several years, many law enforcement agencies have started Naloxone (Narcan) programs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 115 Americans die every day from opioid overdoses. Agencies equipped with Narcan have been able to provide the lifesaving drug, which has reduced the number of fatal overdoses. This also allows officers the ability to quickly administer Narcan to each other in the event of accidental exposure.
In light of this, the Berkeley Police Department has also created a Narcan program. Under this program, officers will now have the ability to carry this life-saving medication in the field as well. Officers are currently receiving training on using Narcan and expect to begin deploying it soon.
