This article presents the opinions of some of the U.S.’s top law enforcement officials and key community support professionals on the responsibility that the law enforcement profession has regarding the evolving needs of communities in light of the opioid crisis.
This article documents the topics discussed in two Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) webinars in which the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) participated. The document presents some of those officials’ insights regarding innovative solutions for changing the culture of policing into one which reflects equity, competence, and confidence in order to meet the evolving needs of local communities. The document’s premise states that law enforcement officers and other first responders are uniquely positioned to identify opportunities for deflection and offer pathways to recovery that help save as many lives as possible. The document describes the need for deflection and pre-arrest diversion; what a deflection program looks like; how law enforcement can be engaged in deflection, with tips on reducing stigma in law enforcement; strategies for community engagement, with additional tips on that subject; opportunities for youth deflection and diversion programs; and areas for future improvements that might be made to deflection programs.