Bill Overview
Title: Law Enforcement Officers Preventing Drug Abuse Related Deaths Act
Description: This bill expands the allowable use of grant funds under the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program administered by the Department of Justice. Specifically, the bill allows grants to be used for a pilot program for local law enforcement agencies in rural areas to purchase opioid receptor antagonists, including naloxone, for use by officers in the line of duty. The bill also requires at least 50% of grants under the program to be awarded to rural areas.
Sponsors: Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]
Target Audience
Population: People living in rural areas where law enforcement agencies implement the pilot program
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The primary population affected by the bill are individuals in rural areas who suffer from opioid overdoses.
- The use of opioid receptor antagonists like naloxone is crucial in reversing the effects of opioid overdoses.
- Rural areas often have limited healthcare resources and emergency response times, increasing the impact of such legislation.
- The bill focuses specifically on law enforcement officers, indicating that officers and individuals they serve in rural areas are directly impacted.
- The bill includes stimulants and other substances, so individuals using drugs other than opioids could also benefit indirectly.
- The legislation might also affect law enforcement practices and resource allocation in these communities.
Reasoning
- Approximately 46 million people live in rural areas in the United States. A significant portion, particularly those exposed to opioid overdoses, will be targeted by this policy.
- The policy is focused on rural law enforcement and their ability to use resources to prevent overdose deaths, impacting both the individuals at risk and the law enforcement officers.
- The budget limitations imply that not all rural areas might benefit equally due to differing resource allocations and existing needs.
- The specific focus on opioid receptor antagonists addresses the critical need in emergency situations, particularly in areas with delayed emergency medical services.
Simulated Interviews
law enforcement officer (rural Kentucky)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The frequent overdose cases are overwhelming, and having naloxone readily available will likely save lives.
- This policy could help us be more prepared for emergencies and reduce the burden on our department.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
recovering opioid addict (rural West Virginia)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The fear of overdosing never leaves my mind.
- Knowing that officers have the tools to save lives is a relief and adds a layer of safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
farmer (rural Minnesota)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having seen what drugs have done to people in my community, any help is welcome.
- Our area needs this more than ever, the emergency responses have been too slow in the past.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
emergency medical technician (rural Wyoming)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's tough reaching some areas in time, and if the police can help stabilize patients, it can change outcomes.
- This could ease the workload but dependency on law enforcement for medical intervention is concerning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
retired teacher (rural Alabama)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative provides necessary resources, but it needs community involvement to be effective.
- Grants should also focus on prevention and education to tackle the root problems.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
local business owner (rural Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Community safety could increase with this policy, it's a vital step in protecting our youth.
- However, business isn't directly affected, so my personal stake is minimal.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
college student (rural New Mexico)
Age: 21 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Education on drug use and access to treatment options should accompany this policy.
- Relying solely on law enforcement for healthcare isn't sustainable but it's a necessary measure at this time.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
mechanic (rural Ohio)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I often worry about the safety of my son and his friends, this could provide some peace of mind.
- Even though we're not directly involved, knowing it's available is reassuring.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
freelancer (rural Nevada)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing this is in place might reduce anxiety about using alone.
- It's crucial for support to go beyond emergencies to employ preventative measures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
sheriff (rural Georgia)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've long needed access to resources like naloxone, it's a game changer for rural law enforcement.
- This policy could become a template for handling drug-related crises in rural areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $52000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $54000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $58000000 (Low: $46000000, High: $66000000)
Year 10: $65000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $75000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy leverages existing grant programs which provide a framework for cost estimation.
- The focus on rural areas may require additional logistical handling, potentially influencing administrative costs.
- Long-term savings and GDP impact are reliant on the effectiveness of drug overdose prevention by law enforcement.
- Necessary training and equipment implementation should be structured effectively to maximize benefits.