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The Dangers of Fentanyl Exposure in Police Work: A Critical Issue for Law Enforcement Professionals

07 Jul, 2023 in Traffic and Patrol Operations

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine1, poses a significant risk not only to the public but also to law enforcement officers. While the opioid crisis has been a pressing issue for years, the emergence of fentanyl and its analogs has led to a drastic increase in overdose deaths and added new dangers to police work.

As a law enforcement professional, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with fentanyl exposure and learn how to protect yourself and your colleagues from accidental overdoses.

Understanding Fentanyl and Its Potency

Fentanyl was initially developed as a painkiller and anesthetic for medical use. However, its high potency and relatively low production cost have made it a popular choice for drug traffickers and dealers to cut or replace other opioids, such as heroin, with fentanyl2.

The issue with fentanyl lies in its potency. Even a small amount, equivalent to a few grains of salt, can cause a fatal overdose3. This makes it particularly dangerous for law enforcement officers who may accidentally come into contact with the substance during their daily duties, such as conducting searches, making arrests, or handling evidence.

Risks to Law Enforcement Officers

There have been numerous cases of officers experiencing symptoms of fentanyl exposure, including one widely-circulated YouTube video showing an officer overdosing on fentanyl during her patrol4. These incidents highlight the very real danger that fentanyl presents to law enforcement professionals.

Symptoms of fentanyl exposure can include dizziness, confusion, respiratory distress, and even death5. Officers who suspect they have been exposed to fentanyl should seek immediate medical attention.

Protecting Yourself and Your Colleagues

To minimize the risk of fentanyl exposure, law enforcement agencies have implemented several safety measures, including:

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Officers should always wear appropriate PPE when handling suspected drugs or drug paraphernalia, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection6.
  2. Training: Regular training on the risks of fentanyl exposure, how to recognize signs of an overdose, and how to administer naloxone (a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose) is essential7.
  3. Evidence Handling Procedures: Departments should establish clear guidelines for handling and testing suspected fentanyl-containing substances, including using specialized equipment, such as fume hoods, to minimize airborne exposure8.

Conclusion

The dangers of fentanyl exposure are a critical issue for law enforcement professionals. By understanding the risks, wearing proper PPE, and following established safety procedures, officers can protect themselves and their colleagues from accidental overdoses, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities safely.

Footnotes

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Fentanyl. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/fentanyl.html ↩
  2. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2020). Counterfeit Prescription Pills Containing Fentanyls: A Global Threat. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/documents/2020/01/30/counterfeit-prescription-pills-containing-fentanyls-global-threat ↩
  3. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Fentanyl DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/fentanyl ↩
  4. YouTube video of officer overdosing on fentanyl during patrol: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_pRi37yLBQ ↩
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Fentanyl: Incapacitating Agent. Retrieved from https://emergency.cdc.gov/agent/incapacitatingagents/fentanyl/index.asp ↩
  6. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2017). Fentanyl: A Briefing Guide for First Responders. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/Fentanyl%20-%20A%20Briefing%20Guide%20for%20First%20Responders%20%28June%202017%29.pdf ↩
  7. National Police Foundation. (2019). Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders. Retrieved from https://www.policefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/NPF-Fentanyl-Safety-Recommendations_final.pdf↩
  8. Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2017). Hazardous Materials Response Unit: Recommendations on the Handling of Suspected Fentanyl-Related Substances. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/recommendations-on-the-handling-of-suspected-fentanyl-related-substances.pdf/view ↩