Date of Award

Fall 9-28-2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

EdD Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Christopher H. Tienken, Ed.D.

Committee Member

Denis E. Connell, Ed.D.

Committee Member

David D. Costantino, Ed.D.

Keywords

Narcan, Opioid, Police Academy, Police Training, Supervisory officer

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate how police officers perceived the N.J. Narcan policy and standards in saving lives and deterring opioid use. This study also examined the impact of the law enforcement Narcan program in reducing the opioid overdose death rate. Participant interviews will be conducted, and thematic coding will be utilized to capture the dominant themes associated with the police officers’ perceptions of the N.J. Narcan policy and standards in reducing the opioid overdose death rate. Fifteen police officers will participate in the study, and their anonymity will be maintained to elicit transparent responses. This dissertation will be conducted within a department of diverse employees. Future research conducted on this subject could utilize a sample pool with larger and smaller size police departments in both urban and suburban areas. Future studies could investigate training policy and standards that affect the law enforcement Narcan program. This study will explore the relationship of Union County police departments and the recent changes in the specific tasks related to dealing with administering Narcan, and the follow-up care of the individual receiving the Narcan antidote. This study may provide Police Chiefs, Police Directors, and the County Prosecutor data to determine the impact of the program. Armed with data, they can make recommendations to improve training for first responders; propose additional resources during the budgetary process for the program; and encourage law enforcement officers, social workers, addiction specialists, recovery specialists, and treatment centers to have a unified effort to fight this epidemic.

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