Police officer attitudes towards syringe services programming

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Criminology
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Syringe services programs (SSPs) are vital in combating the drug overdose epidemic by reducing infectious diseases among people who inject drugs (PWID).
• Police officer support is essential for the success and effective implementation of SSPs.
• Training police officers on SSPs can enhance their understanding and collaboration with these public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess police officers' attitudes toward syringe services programs (SSPs) and people who inject drugs (PWID) after receiving training.
• To identify areas for improvement in training content and delivery to foster greater officer support for SSPs.

Main Methods:

• Researchers partnered with the Marion County Safe Syringe Access and Support Program to deliver training presentations to police officers.
• Surveys were administered immediately after presentations to measure officers' attitudes toward SSPs, PWID, and the training content.

Main Results:

• A majority of officers expressed support for SSPs and a willingness to assist PWID.
• Officers with prior needle stick injury experience were more critical, viewing SSPs as enabling drug use.
• Post-training, about half of officers reported limited knowledge of SSPs, and half indicated discretion in arresting for syringe possession.

Conclusions:

• While overall officer attitudes towards SSPs are positive, specific concerns and misconceptions require addressing.
• Public health agencies should create tailored training addressing officer concerns about SSPs, PWID, and harm reduction to boost support.