Police Officer Overdose Response Training

Abstract

Police officers (n = 828) in Rhode Island completed pre- and post-training surveys related to a web-based overdose response training focused on naloxone administration and post-overdose support. Responses were analyzed to assess changes in confidence and satisfaction with the training, with comparisons by officer experience, jurisdiction type, and overdose rate. Statistically significant improvements in confidence were observed across key domains including naloxone administration, monitoring, and referral to harm reduction or treatment services. Confidence was notably lower among officers with no prior naloxone administration experience and in higher-overdose jurisdictions. Satisfaction with the training was high overall, with state-level officers reporting the greatest satisfaction. These findings suggest that web-based overdose training is effective and acceptable across diverse police settings.